Title: Permeability of Multiaxial and Non-Crimp Fabrics for Vacuum Infusion

Authors: Patricio Martinez, Bo Jin, Steven Nutt

DOI: 10.33599/nasampe/c.22.0042

Abstract: Vacuum infusion (VI) is a process dominated by Darcy’s Law, that heavily depends on the fabric being used to determine the production protocols. Fabric architecture determines fabric permeability, which then dictates the flow rates and fill patterns. Unidirectional fabrics are usually selected for high customizability of the fabric preform, but multiaxial fabrics allow for rapid build up of thickness and easier layup schemes. Non-crimp fabrics allow for maximizing the mechanical properties of the fabric, but woven fabrics will exhibit higher permeability. In this study, permeability measurements were performed for a series of unidirectional, biaxial and triaxial fabrics of various areal weights. With a controlled viscosity fluid, in-plane permeability of the fabrics was measured for a range of fiber volume fractions. From these a fitted curve was generated for each fabric, assigning a permeability curve in the x- and y-directions. A simple, direct infusion test was performed for each fabric, comparing between them, observing the benefits and pitfalls of each fabric. These were then compared to a numerical simulation of the infusion, using the material properties obtained previously. Infusion speed, accuracy of the simulation, and final part quality was compared between experimental test, and the numerical simulation. For simple, lab-scale parts such comparisons are easy to perform, but accurate predictions via simulation prove invaluable for large-scale with increased complexity by streamlining the production process.

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Conference: CAMX 2022

Publication Date: 2022/10/17

SKU: TP22-0000000042

Pages: 15

Price: $30.00