Numerical investigation on flow through porous media in the post‐infusion process

Abstract During the vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) processing, the post‐infusion behavior after complete wet‐out and before gelation of the resin is critical for the development of the thickness and fiber volume fraction distribution in the cured composite part. The pressure gradient developed during infusion results in a thickness gradient due to the flexible nature of the bagging approach. After full infusion, the resin typically bleeds into a vacuum trap, allowing redistribution of pressure and preform thickness. In this study, a non‐rigid control volume is used to formulate a set of governing equations for analysis of the post‐infusion process. The model is used to investigate the effects of processing parameters and different processing scenarios on resin flow, resin pressure, and thickness variation of the composite laminate. This work provides a tool for optimization of the VARTM process to reduce final part variability. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers