ANALISIS EKSPERIMENTAL PROSES PRODUKSI VACUUM ASSISTED RESIN TRANSFER MOLDING (VARTM) PADA KULIT KOMPOSIT GLASS FIBER REINFORCED POLYMER (GFRP) BILAH PROPELER TIPE 24X10

• Main Author: Maykel, Sam
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/54847
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

Currently the development of UAVs in Indonesia is accelerating. UAVs can be used in documentation, military, mapping, agriculture, and other functions [1]. Propellers are widely used in UAV aircraft as thrust generators. Therefore, the manufacture of lightweight and strong propeller with composite materials is under further development [1]. Using the results of research on reference [2] for manufacturing methods suitable for composite fiber composites is Vacuum Assisted Transfer Moulding (VARTM). VARTM has a fairly simple and cheaper process than the autoclave method, in addition it has a fairly good result because the voids that occur can be minimized by up to 60% compared to the hand lay-up method [2]. This VARTM method can be a key preference for small and medium-sized industries. The parameters observed are the viscosity value of the resin and hardener mixture, the configuration of the flow media, vacuum pressure, the position of the inlet and outlet, as well as the type of fiber and matrix used. In this final project, analysis of parameters such as variations in flow media configurations are used to streamline the time by speeding up the resin infusion process. The viscosity mixture of the resin and hardener will affect the rate of the resin flow, the amount of vacuum pressure used is the largest pressure that the vacuum machine has in order to accelerate the flow rate as well. The type of fiber and matrix need to be considered because it will differ the result to process time, flow rate, permeability, etc. if using fiber or matrix with different types. Then, calculations on the flow speed of resin and resin mass flow rate are important to know if this is in accordance with Darcy's Law through porous media. In addition, permeability determination is made to find out how much the capability of the fiber used to pass the flowing resin. The result of this study was found that the speed of resin flow is slowing down as the distance from the inlet is further away. Then the volume of resin that enters also gets smaller when it gets away from the inlet. During performing the calculation assumed the viscosity value of the resin mixture and hardener constantly by not taking into account the gelling effect. Then for the permeability value is calculated based on Darcy's Law and strongly influenced by parameters such as resin volume at a certain interval, the length and width of the area that the resin passes, the thickness of each layer amount, the viscosity of the mixture, and the difference in pressure between the inlet and the position reviewed.