Abstract
AbstractGuidelines are developed for molding large composite parts via structural reaction injection molding using glass preforms and polyisocyanurate resins. These are based on numerical simulations of the simultaneous heat transfer and reaction kinetics of a commercial system during and after mold filling. Premised requirements are that resin does not gel before the mold is filled, yet, reactions are sufficiently vigorous to approach completion. An existing mechanistic kinetic model is used and material parameters found from a chemical kinetics study employing an insulated cup. It is found desirable to use a high mold temperature and a low preform temperature in molding. Nondimensionalization of the governing equations reveals the existence of a Nusselt number (Nu), which describes the relative importance of heat transfer between resin and glass relative to thermal diffusion to the mold wall. With a Nusselt number of about 50 or higher it is possible to use the cooling capacity of the preform to extend gel time. The magnitude of Nu is influenced by part thickness, glass fraction, strand diameter, and flow velocity. Thus, the effect of the preform on extending resin gel time is within control of the molder.
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