UTC Graduate Research Assistantship for V.G.K. Menta (Ph.D Student)--Development and Characterization of Multifunctional Composites

A low-cost Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) process has been developed to manufacture Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites. In VARTM, a fiber preform is placed into a one-sided mold and the mold is vacuum sealed. Resin is then drawn into the mold by vacuum to infuse the preform. Resin flow is assisted by microgrooves built into a distribution medium placed beneath the vacuum bag. After full infiltration of the resin has been achieved, the mold is heated to the curing temperature and the part is solidified. The process has certain advantages such as low cost one sided hard tooling, net shape manufacturing of large complex parts, and high fiber volume fraction. Physics based process simulation tools is be used for the optimization of the injection locations and resin infusion during the process. This process can be used to manufacture complex shapes and multifunctional composites. A multifunctional structure is a unique design approach with the composition of structures performing several functions beyond carrying mechanical loads. It involves integration of several functions such as flame resistance and impact resistance. Physical and mechanical tests are performed to evaluate the performance of the manufactured parts.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Completed
• Funding: $22940.00
• Contract Numbers:

  R203-00016751

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Research and Innovative Technology Administration

  Department of Transportation
  1200 New Jersey Avneue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Performing Organizations:

  Center for Infrastructure Engineering Studies

  Missouri University of Science and Technology
  Rolla, MO  United States  65409
• Principal Investigators:

  Chandrashekhara, K

• Start Date: 20070801
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 20080731
• Source Data: RiP Project 21907

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Composite materials; Fiber reinforced polymers; Fibers; Infiltration; Research projects; Resins
• Uncontrolled Terms: Curing temperature; Vacuum sealing method
• Subject Areas: Education and Training; Highways; I30: Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01462115
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Center for Infrastructure Engineering Studies
• Contract Numbers: R203-00016751
• Files: UTC, RIP, USDOT
• Created Date: Jan 3 2013 1:58PM