Insights from in-situ X-ray computed tomography during axial impregnation of unidirectional fiber beds

In-situ X-ray computed tomography during axial impregnation of unidirectional fiber beds is used to study coupled effects of fluid velocity, fiber movement and preferred flow channeling on permeability. In order to interpret the experimental measurements, a new computational tool for predicting axial permeability of very large 2D arrays of non-uniformly packed fibers is developed. The results show that, when the impregnation velocity is high, full saturation is attained behind the flow front and the fibers rearrange into a less uniform configuration with higher permeability. In contrast, when the velocity is low, fluid flows preferentially in the narrowest channels between fibers, yielding unsaturated permeabilities that are lower than those in the saturated state. These insights combined with a new computational tool will enable improved prediction of permeability, ultimately for use in optimization of composite manufacturing via liquid impregnation.