Fluid flow reconstruction modeling with application to liquid molding processes

Abstract A unique mathematical reconstruction technique is coupled with discrete experimental flow front detection data to provide continuous fluid flow analysis. A fully finite element based methodology for the construction of surfaces from scattered and sparse data is presented and applied to experimental observations derived from a new class of sensors enlisted as monitors of the resin transfer molding (RTM) process. The basic numerical technique is shown to yield interpolant models capable of flow front position and fluid flow velocity reconstruction. The extrapolative/predictive performance is enhanced through the introduction of a new hybrid procedure. Two‐dimensional and quasi‐three‐dimensional examples are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the techniques.