Multiscale Model of the RTM Process: From Mesoscale Anisotropic Permeability of Woven Structures to Macroscale Resin Impregnation

It is critical to figure out permeability characteristics of different woven structures for better understanding the resin impregnation and the formation of dry spot defects during the resin transfer molding (RTM) process. In this work, we proposed a multiscale model in which the permeability was derived by mesoscale simulation of the resin flow in the channel within 3D/ 2.5D fiber-woven composites, and then, the obtained anisotropic permeability was used as the resistance parameter of the porous model for the RTM process at the macroscale. The proposed method was validated by a consistency test. The results show that the in-plane permeability of the woven structures is greater than the lateral permeability, and it is easier for the 3D woven structure to impregnate the whole module than the 2.5D woven structure in the RTM process. The multiscale model proposed is expected to guide the design and optimization of the RTM process for high-performance fiber-reinforced composites.

Automated summary

The study proposed a multiscale model to investigate the permeability characteristics of fiber-woven structures and found the influence of different woven structures on the RTM process, with the validation of the proposed method.