The effects of preforming induced variable permeabilities on the rtm molding flow

Forming bidirectional woven fabric into complex shapes consisting of double curvature surfaces leads to rearrangement of the network structure of fiber mats. In this study, the geometric configuration of the fabrics after deformation is modeled using a modified pin-jointed net model. Deformation of the fabric can result in the local change of the permeability in the reinforcements. In the flow simulation, the prediction of the filling flow highly depends on the correct values of permeabilities. The primary goal of this study is to investigate the effects on filling flow phenomena caused by the deformation of the fiber mats. A general integrated procedure of computer simulation with variable permeabilities for the filling process of arbitrary mold shape is also presented.