Multi-scale modeling and online monitoring of resin flow through dual-scale textiles in liquid composite molding processes

This paper discusses a multi-scale approach for the simulation of preform impregnation and a dielectric flow monitoring system in liquid composite molding processes. A mesoscale unit cell was built based on image analysis of the microstructure of manufactured composite laminates. Bulk permeability and saturation rate were computed at the mesoscale and then introduced in the macroscale model modifying the governing mass and momentum equations. The model was used to simulate a unidirectional infusion test, in order to compare numerical results with experimental data from pressure measurements. Moreover, a noninvasive dielectric monitoring system for unsaturated and saturated flow tracking was developed. The good agreement exhibited by the numerical and experimental results points out the capability of the multiscale model as well as of the dielectric monitoring system.