Dual-scale visualization of resin flow for liquid composite molding processes

Abstract

Visualization of resin flow progression through fibrous preforms is often sought to elucidate flow patterns and validate models for filling prediction for liquid composite molding processes. Here, conventional X-ray radiography is compared to X-ray phase contrast technique to image in-situ constant flow rate impregnation of a non-translucent unidirectional carbon fabric. X-ray attenuation of the fluid phase was increased by using a ZnI2-based contrasting agent, leading to enough contrast between the liquid and the low density fibers. We proved the suitability of conventional X-ray transmission to visualize fluid paths by elucidating different flow patterns, spanning from capillary to viscous regimes and a macro-void entrapment phenomenon