Permeability measurement of 3D-printed controlled-porosity deltoid inserts for composite T-joints

Permeability measurement of 3D-printed controlled-porosity deltoid inserts for composite T-joints

    Presenter(s)

    Khalid Aldhahri

    Comments

    Presentation: 4:20 p.m.-5:00 p.m., Kennedy Union 207

    Description

    Liquid Composite Molding (LCM) processes are one of the most common ways to produce composite material structures for various high-performance industries, especially for aerospace applications. LCM processes include resin transfer molding (RTM) and vacuum assisted RTM (VARTM). A key challenge with the LCM process is how to fully impregnate the dry fiber preform with resin inside the mold. Limited research has been conducted to investigate the resin flow behavior in critical regions of complex geometry, such as the junction between the flange and web in T-joints (referred to as a deltoid). This area is very important to the structural integrity and long-term durability of the T-joint, yet it is often ignored, leading to a resin-rich area. This study describes initial work aimed at producing custom-designed deltoid inserts with controlled porosity using additive manufacturing. Two different porosity geometries were developed, and deltoid shapes were produced with each one. The density for each porosity type was parametrically varied from 30%–70% solid (infill density). This presentation will present and discuss the permeability measurements made for each one in the three principal directions (K1, K2, K3). The 3D printed insert will have a porosity that can optimize resin flow, while simultaneously providing perfect geometric support for the plies of fabric that come together in this region.

    Publication Date

    4-20-2022

    Project Designation

    Graduate Research

    Primary Advisor

    Donald A. Klosterman

    Primary Advisor's Department

    Chemical and Materials Engineering

    Keywords

    Stander Symposium project, School of Engineering

    United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

    Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

    Permeability measurement of 3D-printed controlled-porosity deltoid inserts for composite T-joints

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