Particles Deposit Formation and Filtering: Numerical Simulation in the Suspension Flow Through a Dual Scale Fibrous Media

Summary We present numerical simulation of particle filled resin flow through a fibrous medium taking into account dual scale porosity in LCM (Liquid Composite Molding) processes. During the flow, a strong interaction between the particle motion and the fluid flow takes place at the porous medium wall or at the fiber bundle surface. A model is developed to describe the particle deposition and filtering in the porous medium. In this study, the Stokes-Darcy equation is solved to describe the resin flow in a mesoscopic scale. The particle deposition mechanism is extensively studied taking into account the influences from such parameters as porous medium permeability, particle size and pressure drop. The mechanism leading to the accelerated or delayed filling is treated by analyzing the velocity filed around the fiber bundle surface. Finally, particle filtering simulation is performed for different particle loading levels to demonstrate the particle deposition and filtering mechanism during the composites manufacturing by LCM processes where the resin mixed with particles is injected into a fiber preform with dual scale porosity.