Studies on Various Process Parameters for Manufacturing of Composite using Vacuum Infusion Process

Abstract

Abstract

The Carbon Fiber Reinforcement Polymer (CFRP) is widely used in space applications, automobile industries, aerospace and sports equipments because of good specific properties over conventional metals and alloys. There are many processes for manufacturing of composite materials are available. The selection of the proper manufacturing process plays a vital role for composite products due to varying properties. In this dissertation, Vacuum Infusion Process (VIP) is demonstrated to manufacture CFRP composite part. In VIP process, high volume faction ratio is achieved with low cost compared to other manufacturing process. The parabolic shape reflectors as well as flat plates are manufactured using VIP process from CFRP material. The stainless steel mould is fabricated using 5 axes vertical milling center machine for reflector manufacturing. The consolidation materials are procured and used for manufacturing process. The dimensional accuracy for parabolic reflector is tested using 3D scanning technique. The results of experimental work will be compared with simulation approach. Three process parameters i.e. resin pressure, volume fraction and fiber thickness are considered during VIP manufacturing process. An experimental and numerical approach are selected to compare results of resin pressure. The numerical simulation is performed using FLUENT software. The flat plates from four and eight layers of carbon fibres are manufactured with steel mould using VIP. The volume fraction and fiber thicknesses are measured while manufacturing of flat plates.