Mold filling simulation in RTM processing of natural fiber composite materials

GASTÓN FRANCUCCI; JUAN MORÁN; EXEQUIEL S. RODRIGUEZ

Eschede

Conferencia; FPCM-12 - 12th International Conference on Flow Processes in Composite Materials; 2014

Twente University

When natural fibers are used, the permeability decreases as the infiltration process takes place because the fibers absorb fluid and swell, decreasing the porosity of the preform as the open paths for flow are reduced [1-3]. This work presents an approach for the simulation of a one dimensional mold filling stage during RTM processing, considering a representative variation in preform´s permeability as the fibers absorb fluid and swell