Parameter Estimation for Resin Transfer Molding

A simplified approach for estimating weld lines, vent locations and fill times for resin transfer molding applications in non-planar geometry is presented. The molding parts are treated as polyhedral spaces for which the concept of Voronoi diagram and shortest paths is utilized to predict the formation of weld lines, location of vents and filling times. The approach is based purely on geometrical considerations and on previously established observations that it is possible to treat the resin flow inside the mold as partly radial and partly channel-like. The proposed procedure is geared towards software implementation, but it enables one to gain more insight into the process before detailed and time consuming calculations are attempted.