Experimental and numerical investigation of voids distribution in VPI for ITER correction coil

• A sample of correction coil was treated by vacuum pressure impregnation.
• The voids in sample were observed by computed tomography.
• The voids distributions were simulated in 2-D and 3-D model.
• The calculated voids locations had a good agreement with experiment.
• The simulation was not accurate in calculating the voids content.

The experimental and numerical investigations were conducted to study the voids distribution in VPI (Vacuum Pressure Impregnation) process for correction coil. A sample of correction coil was manufactured by VPI. The voids in sample were observed with computed tomography and the average voids content was tested. The voids content is closely related to infiltration velocity and fluid properties. In former researches, the parameters affecting voids content were combined into a single parameter, namely capillary number. By calculating the capillary numbers in different areas of the sample, the voids distribution could be acquired. The corresponding numerical analyses based on Darcy law were conducted in 2-D and 3-D models. The 2-D case was used to simulate the voids distribution on the section as a simplified model, while the 3-D case demonstrated the spatial distribution of voids. The voids locations were similar in 2-D and 3-D cases, but the voids contents were different. The numerical results were compared with the actual voids distribution in sample. It was found the voids locations were close in numerical and experimental results, but the voids content did not match. The numerical simulations are available for predicting the voids locations in VPI, but not accurate in calculating the voids content.