ONE DIMENSIONAL RESIN TRANSFER MOLDING PROCESS MODELING

Fred McBagonluri-Nuuri, Dr. Victor Giurgiutiu and Brian Sapp
National Science Foundation and Technology Center:
High Performance Polymeric Adhesive and Composites, and
Engineering Science and Mechanics Department
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, Virginia

ABSTRACT

Multi-orientation fiber composites have attained significant application in industry in recent times; however, analytical tools for the prediction of stiffness and strength of multi-oriented fibers are still under extensive investigation. Since stiffness and strength are significant mechanical properties of multi-orientated fibers, the behavior of these fibers in service would be better understood if these properties are further examined. In this experiment a multi-oriented reinforced plastic (Baydur STR structural RIM) consisting of a Baydur STR 400 matrix and Owens-Corning fiberglass as fibers would be subjected to tensile testing and strain gage instrumentation to obtain it's physical parameters.