Numerical and Experimental Study of the Bleeder Flow in Autoclave Process

Abstract

In the autoclave process, resin flow is a primary mechanics for the removing of excess resin and voids entrapped in the laminate and obtaining a uniform and void free composite part. A numerical method was developed to simulate the resin flow in the laminate and the bleeder, and the effects of 'bleeder flow' on the resin flow and fiber compaction were conducted. At the same time, fiber distribution in the cured laminates was investigated by both experiments and simulations for the CF/Epoxy and CF/BMI composites. The data of the experiments and simulations demonstrated that fibers consolidated and reconsolidated in the laminate and it was impacted by the viscosity and gel time of the resin system. Compared to the post study in which only resin flow in the laminate are considered, these results will deepen the understanding of the consolidation process, resin pressure variation and void control during the autoclave process, which is valuable for the study of the performance of composite parts, provided that fiber distribution does affect some properties of composite material.

Characterization and analysis of torsion property of carbon fiber bundle combined with epoxy resin

“…When the gauge length is large enough, the density of defect is approximately constant and its effect on mechanical strength is neglected. The effect of gauge length on torsion strength of composite bundle shows high similarity to its influence on torsional elongation of single carbon fiber according to the study of Liu and Yu . The mechanisms might be same.…”

“…Our group established a novel approach to evaluate torsional performance of single carbon fiber filament based on a self‐designed apparatus, and the number of torsion turns and twist angle at fracture were defined to characterize torsion‐bearing capacity of single carbon fiber . It was found that torsion behavior and fracture feature were affected by elongation in tension and surface coating of carbon fiber.…”

Fibre Bragg grating sensors for in-situ measurement of resin pressure in curing composites

“…In one dimensional consolidation of composites with escape of resin through boundaries, compression of resin in the pores and capillary movement are negligible. Thus, stress at any point in the laminate described as [10][11][12][13] = + (7) Figure 6. Piston-spring analogy for a resin saturated fibre beds…”

Manufacturing and Processing of Polymer Composites

“…Besides the previously mentioned microwave development, research is being conducted to simulate the autoclave process and to derive models for time-based cost calculations [5,6]. In addition, efforts are being undertaken in the field of tooling and the effect of the tool on the part quality [7,8].…”