2D permeability tensor identification of fibrous reinforcements for RTM using an inverse method

A fast and robust mixed numerical/experimental technique is presented, that allows with a single experiment to determine all components of the in-plane permeability tensor, needed for process simulation of resin transfer molding. This technique combines the highly automated “PIERS” (permeability identification using electrical resistance sensors) central injection rig with a customized numerical simulation of the experiment, and uses an iterative inverse method to identify permeability values for which the simulation agrees with the experiment. It is shown that, for reinforcements that are not approximately isotropic, the numerical simulation in the inverse method significantly improves the precision of the parameter identification, compared to inverse methods with models that are valid only until the injected fluid reaches an edge of the reinforcement.