A model for resin flow during composite processing part 2: Numerical analysis for unidirectional graphite/epoxy laminates

Abstract In this paper numerical results are presented for resin flow during processing of unidirectional graphite/epoxy laminates. Resin pressure and velocity profiles, as well as resin loss, specific permeability, and resulting thickness changes, were computed to examine the effects of one and two‐dimensional flow, initial laminate thickness, and various cure cycles. Input data to the model are also discussed in detail. Analysis of the input data on the stress‐strain behavior of graphite fiber beds showed that the bed consolidation behavior can be divided into three regions. “Free‐bleeding” (O psig and negligible bleeder resistance to flow at the boundaries) during two‐dimensional resin flow leads to rapid decay in resin pressure. Comparison of the predicted results for the resin mass loss and the average final thickness per ply with experimentally determined values shows good agreement.