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An experimental cost model for composite parts using vacuum assisted resin transfer moulding (VARTM)

Thesis (MScEng (Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Vacuum assisted resin transfer moulding (VARTM) belongs to the category of resin infusion
techniques that use lower than atmospheric pressure to infiltrate a reinforced cavity. This
technique has various advantages; however, manufacturing costs can be relatively high due to
more difficult shapes fabricated and a lack of knowledge regarding cost driving factors.
The objective of this study was to develop a cost model for composite parts. Such a model
allows the estimation of manufacturing costs of shapes of different geometries. Therefore, it
provides a comparison to alternative manufacturing techniques, such as metal forming or
composite spray lay-up and helps to avoid unnecessarily expensive design features. The
proposal was made to split complex shaped composite parts into individual basic shapes,
which are further investigated here.
For the basic shapes, an experimental approach was used where the manufacturing times of
each process step are measured and then statistically analysed. Infusion simulation software
was used to obtain additional filling times to complete the design of experiments. This method
allows the estimation of manufacturing times of composite parts with different geometries.
The manufacturing times were validated to that of a complex shaped industrial part, with
reasonable results. Finally, a flexible cost model was developed to compare different
manufacturing techniques and to estimate the manufacturing costs. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Vakuumgesteunde harsinspuitingsgietwerk (VARTM) behoort tot die kategorie
harsinspuitingstegnieke wat laer-as-atmosferiese druk gebruik om ʼn versterkte holte binne te
dring. Hierdie tegniek hou verskeie voordele in. Tog kan vervaardigingskoste betreklik hoog
wees wanneer dit by ingewikkelder vorms en ʼn gebrek aan kennis met betrekking tot
kostesnellers kom.
Die doelwit van hierdie studie was om ʼn kostemodel vir saamgestelde onderdele te ontwikkel.
Die model maak voorsiening vir die raming van die vervaardigingskoste vir verskillende
afmetings. Sodoende bied dit ʼn vergelyking met alternatiewe tegnieke, en help voorkom
onnodig duur ontwerpkenmerke. Daar is voorgestel dat dele met ingewikkelde vorms in
individuele basiese vorms verdeel word, wat dan hier verder ondersoek word.
Vir die basiese vorms word ʼn eksperimentele benadering gebruik waar die vervaardigingstye
in elke prosesstap gemeet en statisties ontleed word. Voorts word
inspuitingsimulasiesagteware gebruik om komplementêre inspuitingstye te bepaal ten einde
die eksperimentele ontwerp te voltooi. Hierdie metode maak dit ook moontlik om die
vervaardigingstye vir saamgestelde materiaal onderdele van verskillende afmetings te raam.
Die vervaardigingstye word dan bevestig aan die hand van dié van ʼn kompleks gevormde
industriële onderdeel, met redelike resultate. Uiteindelik word ʼn buigsame kostemodel
ontwikkel om verskillende vervaardigingstegnieke te vergelyk en die vervaardigingskoste te
raam.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:sun/oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/6579
Date03 1900
CreatorsVogt, Christian
ContributorsSchreve, K., University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering.
PublisherStellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Source SetsSouth African National ETD Portal
Languageen_ZA
Detected LanguageUnknown
TypeThesis
Format107 p. : ill.
RightsUniversity of Stellenbosch

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