A mathematical model for RTM process simulations in geometries with irregular shapes Brauner Gonçalves Coutinho 1 , Vanja Maria França Bezerra 2 , Severino Rodrigues Farias Neto 3 , Antonio Gilson Barbosa de Lima 4* 1 Center of Human and Exact Sciences, State University of Paraiba (UEPB), Zip Code 58500-000, Monteiro-PB, Brazil 1 E-mail: braunergc@yahoo.com 2 Chemical Engineering Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Zip Code 59072-970, Natal-RN, Brazil 2 E-mail: vanja@eq.ufrn.br 3 Chemical Engineering Department, Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), P.O. Box 10069, Zip Code 58429-900, Campina Grande-PB, Brazil 3 E-mail: fariasn@deq.ufcg.edu.br 4 Mechanical Engineering Department, Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), P.O. Box 10069, Zip Code 58429-900, Campina Grande-PB, Brazil 4* E-mail: gilson@dem.ufcg.edu.br ABSTRACT Composites made by using RTM processes have attractive properties to aerospace and automotive industries. However, it is mandatory optimize all process parameters. Some mathematical models developed to predict fluid flow in porous media may be used as a support tool for laboratory studies. These models present complex sets of differential partial equations that may be solved numerically, via discretization methods. This work presents a mathematical model to predict resin and air flow in RTM processes. The finite volume method was used to discretize the equations written in boundary fitted coordinates, without the need for any front tracking algorithm. To validate the methodology, numerical results for flow front positions in rectilinear flows were compared to analytical data. The model was also employed to describe the fluid flow in geometries with arbitrary irregular boundaries. Keywords: RTM, Simulation, Finite volume, Boundary Fitted coordinates 1. INTRODUCTION Composite materials are used by humans since ancient times. Such materials are obtained from the combination of two or more materials and share the characteristics of its constituents. The possibility of creating a material that meets a market demand is the main advantage of composites, especially for automotive, aeronautical and aerospace applications. The resin transfer molding (RTM) is a production method characterized by filling the mold that contains the reinforcing material, by means of the injection of a fluid resin. The technique allows the production of large quantities of parts, with good quality finishing, at low cost. The optimization process requires the understanding of the parameters involved during the filling stage: mold geometry, material properties and process parameters, such as temperature, injection flow rate or injection pressure. Int. Jnl. of Multiphysics Volume 8 · Number 3 · 2014 285