Permeability of Clustered Fiber Networks: Modeling of the Unit Cell

The paper is focused on estimating the permeability of a clustered fiber network by variational methods. First, a laminar flow in ducts is considered by using polynomial trial functions. Then, a longitudinal flow through a square array is described by expanding the flow-rate field in trigonometric and Laurent series. Finally, a formal scheme for estimating the longitudinal permeability in a cluster with an irregular distribution of fibers is given. The irregular distribution is modeled by setting an individual effective radius for each fiber and then letting this fiber reach its minimum gravitational energy. The results obtained here form a basis for future predictions of the permeability of fibrous reinforcements.     

Lattice Gas Analysis of Liquid Front in Non-Crimp Fabrics

The liquid flow front during impregnation of non-crimp fabrics is considered. Irregularities in fibre bundle architecture lead to generation of bubbles at this front. The velocity of this interface is highly influenced by capillary forces mainly caused by the small fibres inside the bundles. In order to better understand which shapes the liquid front takes up at different conditions, a lattice gas model has been applied. First, the macroscopic properties of the solved gas in the liquid are discussed. Next, bubble inclusions are analyzed as to liquid–gas interface position and concentrations of minor component in each phase. The capillary effects at the fluid front are studied for systems both with and without gaps between the bundles. The flow in the interior of the fibre bundles is scrutinized, as well, by also considering the viscous stresses. The flow through unidirectional fabrics is considered by a one-dimensional model, which suggests that the liquid front inside bundles and gaps moves with the same speed when the liquid front inside the bundle has to catch up with the liquid front in the gap.