SIMULATION OF MOULD-FILLING IN RTM PROCESS FOR 3D COMPLEX SHAPE THIN SHELL PARTS

A program SHELLCV was composed based on 3D shell element by the finite element /control volume method. SHELLCV can simulate the process of mould-filling in RTM for the 3D complex shape thin parts and predict the resin flow front advancement and the distribution of pressure field at any instant in time. Comparing with the analytical solutions validated the accuracy and the reliability of SHELLCV program. Numerical examples show SHELLCV program can provide the effective references for the process design such as inlets and outlet arrangement and the pressure of the mold.