Void formation as a result of irregular resin flow at the flow front is discussed and a practical method for reducing void formation during resin transfer molding (RTM) is introduced. In this study, a sensor system is developed for in situ measurement of resin velocity inside a closed cavity. Assisted by the acquired data, a resin injection system is augmented to automatically adjust the injection pressure and achieve a uniform flow front velocity. It is proven, that the developed system is suited to monitor the resin flow front and is able to sufficiently control flow velocity of a linear flow front. Test specimen produced by this method show significantly reduced void contents in comparison to a common resin transfer molding process.
A practical method for reducing void formation during resin transfer molding is introduced by development of a sensor assisted resin injection system. It is proven, that the system is suited to monitor and control the flow velocity of a linear flow front. Test specimen show significantly reduced void contents in comparison to a common resin transfer molding process. image