To run a 3D resin transfer molding analysis

In addition to the normal setup tasks, such as the setting the molding process, analysis sequence, and process settings, specify the preform elements and their properties, and the physical properties of any filler materials.

Differences between the 3D and midplane/dual domain setup include:

• Permeability is specified in 3 different directions, for a 3D RTM analysis
• There are two options for the setting up the fiber mat.

1. Click (Home tab > Molding Process Setup tab) and set the molding process to RTM or SRIM.

2. Click (Home tab > Molding Process Setup tab > Analysis Sequence), and set the analysis sequence.

3. Set the injection location(s).

4. Select the preform mesh elements and assign to them the properties Preform element (3D).

5. Select a preform material from the Preform Properties tab of the Preform element (3D) dialog, and enter orientation information:

   • Preform orientation in the 1st and 2nd principal direction (for example x-axis: dx=1, dy=0 dz=0, y-axis: dx=0, dy=1, dz=0). The 3rd principal direction is calculated from the values you enter for the 1st and 2nd principal directions.
   • Adjust preform orientation to follow along the local surface is selected by default.
   • Adjust porosity & permeability with local thickness is not selected by default.

6. If necessary, click Edit, and enter the preform data in the Preform Properties tab of the Preform (3D) dialog.

7. Specify the physical properties of any filler material added to the preformed material in the Filler Properties tab of the Preform (3D) dialog, then click OK.

8. To run a Cool (FEM) analysis, make sure that the model includes a 3D mesh of the mold, and that cooling circuits are present.

   Specify the durations for filling, packing, curing, and cool down, in the Process Settings Wizard - Cool (FEM) Settings dialog, or in the RTM Cooling tab of the process controller.

   Select the coolant for each coolant inlet in the Coolant Flow tab of the Coolant inlet dialog. This can be done by selecting the coolant inlet, then right-click and select Properties.

   Make sure that the coolant control and inlet temperature is specified for the "Preheating + Filling", "Packing + Curing" and "Cool Down" stages in the Coolant inlet dialog.

9. To run a Warp analysis, select the Composite Properties tab and select a fiber mat composite material.

   This information is required for a Warp analysis.

10. Set the process settings to simulate your machine settings.

11. Select a material with similar properties to the one you intend to use for your actual model.

12. Click (Home tab > Analysis panel > Analyze) to start the analysis.