A simulation approach of permeability prediction for RTM process simulation

Following the trend of growing fiber composite materials usage, process automation and increasing component complexity, there arises a need for process simulation. The work presented here addresses a fast and robust characterization method of permeability for RTM process modeling. A simulation approach is presented based on fabric images, image processing and textile modeling. For validation of the simulation approach a two-step validation approach was followed. At first, a test setup for permeability testing was developed and put into service. A test campaign focusing on non-crimp fabrics (NCF) gave the permeability results for comparison of material data. In a second step the simulation approach was employed to predict the fill time and flow front pattern of a complex component. The permeability results from experiments and the simulation approach showed excellent correlation for two biaxial non-crimp fabrics. For the fill time prediction of the RTM component, the simulation approach gave the best results and the flow front pattern could be predicted reasonably well.