To evaluate the validity of the computer program developed to simulate the mold filling in the resin transfer molding (RTM) process, flow visualization experiments of mold filling were conducted. In flow visualization experiments, the measurement of permeability was also carried out. Mold filling experiments were conducted with various types of molds and executed at specified processing conditions. The effects of mold shape variations were studied by observing the movements of the flow font of a non-reactive fluid filling in transparent molds in which fiber reinforcements were preplaced. Experimental observations were compared with corresponding numerical simulation results. Reasonable agreement was obtained between numerically-predicted and experimentally-determined locations of flow front. From the results of visualization experiments, the physical phenomena of the mold filling was able to be interpreted. And also the information for operating the RTM process and designing the mold was obtained.

To evaluate the validity of the computer program developed to simulate the mold filling in the resin transfer molding (RTM) process, flow visualization experiments of mold filling were conducted. In flow visualization experiments, the measurement of permeability was also carried out. Mold filling experiments were conducted with various types of molds and executed at specified processing conditions. The effects of mold shape variations were studied by observing the movements of the flow font of a non-reactive fluid filling in transparent molds in which fiber reinforcements were preplaced. Experimental observations were compared with corresponding numerical simulation results. Reasonable agreement was obtained between numerically-predicted and experimentally-determined locations of flow front. From the results of visualization experiments, the physical phenomena of the mold filling was able to be interpreted. And also the information for operating the RTM process and designing the mold was obtained.