Abstract:In the past, simulation of liquid composite moulding processes was often based on the assumption that resin viscosity could be implemented as a constant value. However, viscosity can be subject to changes during the infusion process and now, non-constant and process parameter dependent expressions have become more common in simulation practice. Nevertheless, even with the inclusion of more advanced resin viscosity models, the prediction of flow front propagation in large, thick composite parts or in slow infus… Show more
Liquid composite molding processes are manufacturing techniques involving the impregnation and saturation of dry fibrous preforms by means of injection or infusion of catalyzed resin systems. Complete wetting of the reinforcement and reduction of voids are key issues to enhance mechanical properties of the final product, as a consequence on line monitoring and control of resin flow is highly desirable to detect and avoid potential macro- as well as micro-voids. In this paper, parallel-plate dielectric sensors were investigated to track the position of unsaturated as well as saturated flow fronts through dual scale porous media. Sensors configuration was analyzed and improved via electromagnetic (EM) finite element simulations. The effectiveness of the proposed system was assessed in one-dimensional impregnation tests. Good agreement was found between unsaturated front positions provided by the considered system and acquired through conventional visual techniques. An indirect verification strategy, based on CFD and EM simulations of the process, was applied to investigate the reliability of dielectric sensors with respect to saturation phenomena. Obtained outcomes highlighted the intriguing capabilities of the proposed method
Liquid composite molding processes are manufacturing techniques involving the impregnation and saturation of dry fibrous preforms by means of injection or infusion of catalyzed resin systems. Complete wetting of the reinforcement and reduction of voids are key issues to enhance mechanical properties of the final product, as a consequence on line monitoring and control of resin flow is highly desirable to detect and avoid potential macro- as well as micro-voids. In this paper, parallel-plate dielectric sensors were investigated to track the position of unsaturated as well as saturated flow fronts through dual scale porous media. Sensors configuration was analyzed and improved via electromagnetic (EM) finite element simulations. The effectiveness of the proposed system was assessed in one-dimensional impregnation tests. Good agreement was found between unsaturated front positions provided by the considered system and acquired through conventional visual techniques. An indirect verification strategy, based on CFD and EM simulations of the process, was applied to investigate the reliability of dielectric sensors with respect to saturation phenomena. Obtained outcomes highlighted the intriguing capabilities of the proposed method
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