Exploratory development of VARIM process for manufacturing high temperature polymer matrix composites

This research focuses on an exploratory development of vacuum assisted resin infusion molding (VARIM) process for manufacturing high temperature polymer composite materials. High temperature matrix composites are needed for high speed civil transport and advanced tactical fighters. The present study involves development of a comprehensive process virtual model and a physical model to relate the process conditions to the evolved properties and defects in the molded composites. The virtual model simulates the process to help in mold design and process optimization. The physical model investigates the feasibility of VARIM for fabricating high temperature polymer composites and the behavior of the process with the changes in its parameters. Characterization of properties, defects, and internal structure of produced composites is the major thrust in this study.