A Prediction Method for in-Plane Permeability and Manufacturing Applications in the VARTM Process

VARTM (Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding) is a popular method for manufacturing large-scaled, single-sided mold composite structures, such as wind turbine blades and yachts. Simulation to find the proper infusion scenario before manufacturing is essential to avoid dry spots as well as incomplete saturation and various fiber weaves with different permeability affect numerical simulation tremendously. This study focused on deriving the in-plane permeability prediction method for FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastics) laminates in the VARTM process by experimental measurements and numerical analysis. The method provided an efficient way to determine the permeability of laminates without conducting lots of experiments in the future. In-plane permeability imported into the software, RTM-Worx, to simulate resin flowing pattern before the infusion experiments of a 3D ship hull with two different infusion scenarios. The close agreement between experiments and simulations proved the correctness and applicability of the prediction method for the in-plane permeability.