THE DESIGN OF MANUFACTURING PROCESS AND THE STUDY OF QUALITY OF LSU-03 AIRCRAFT PROPELLER USING FIBERGLASS-EPOXY COMPOSITE MATERIAL USING HAND LAY-UP AND VACUUM ASSISTED RESIN TRANSFER MOULDING (VARTM) METHODS

• Main Author: ZEIN DWI MUSTOFA - Nim: 13614010, AKHMAD
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/25280
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

<p align="justify">One of important aspect in designing a product is the study of the method for making that product. In the world of aviation, a product is required to meet several design criterias such as strength, weight, price and production. This study aims to determine the parameters that influence the production process of fiberglass-epoxy composites and analyze the most suitable production process for LSU-03 aircraft propeller product using Hand Lay-up (HLU), VARTM, and Autoclave manufacturing methods. However, the production using autoclave method was stop at the literature study, due to some problems in the machine. At literature study phase, critical parameters at manufacturing process were obtained. <br /> <br /> Next phase is to design the manufacturing process for plate and propeller samples using HLU and VARTM methods. Production tools are manufactured and followed by manufacturing samples in the form of plates. Parameter of mass, thickness, void and fiber volume fraction of samples are measured and evaluated. <br /> <br /> It is then followed by the manufacturing of propellers using HLU and VARTM methods. As previous plate sample, the propeller is then inspected. Mass, thickness, void, fiber volume fraction, aspects of production, cost and surface quality and geometry from products produced using HLU and VARTM. This inspection will allow the evaluation process to determine the suitability of the processes to produce the propeller. <br /> <br /> The results of the analysis and comparison of the two methods show that the HLU method is superior in terms of cost and process, while the VARTM method is superior in terms of strength, weight, and quality. With an overall comparative study, the VARTM manufacturing method is found more suitable for manufacturing LSU-03 aircraft propellers, especially for production in larger quantity.<p align="justify"> <br />