Centre for Advanced Composite Materials


SimLCM

The aim of SimLCM is to develop a complete simulation package capable of undertaking simulations on a range of LCM processes - resin infusion/VARTM, RTM, Compression RTM, RTM Light. SimLCM, unlike other commerically available simulation codes, focusses on prediction of mould tooling stresses as well as cycle time optimisation.

Research areas


This research covers a number of smaller projects, each developing and validating particular areas of focus for the project, such as:

 

  • Material modelling and material characterisation
    • Fibre reinforcement compaction response.
    • Fibre preform permeability.
       
  • Process simulation for rigid tool processes
    • Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) - simple compact and inject case.
    • Compression RTM (CRTM) - more complex situation with additional compression phase after resin injection.
    • Force-controlled closure - complex situation with non-constant mould closure speed.
       
  • Process simulation for flexible and semi-flexible tool processes
    • Resin infusion/VARTM - infusion of resin under a flexible bag.
    • RTM Light - semi-flexible tool with some stiffness - complex couple problem.

 

Postgraduate students


Mr Jamie Timms

Mr Jonathan Cheng