In-operando dynamic visualization of flow through porous preforms based on X-ray phase contrast imaging

Journal Article (2021)
Author(s)

Helena Teixidó (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)

Baris Caglar (TU Delft - Aerospace Manufacturing Technologies, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)

Vincent Revol (CSEM SA)

Véronique Michaud (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)

Research Group
Aerospace Manufacturing Technologies
Copyright
© 2021 Helena Teixidó, Baris Caglar, Vincent Revol, Véronique Michaud
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2021.106560
More Info
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Publication Year
2021
Language
English
Copyright
© 2021 Helena Teixidó, Baris Caglar, Vincent Revol, Véronique Michaud
Research Group
Aerospace Manufacturing Technologies
Volume number
149
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Abstract

Direct visualization is often sought to elucidate flow patterns and validate models to predict the filling kinetics during processes whereby a liquid resin infiltrates a textile porous preform. Here, X-ray phase contrast interferometry is evaluated to image in-operando constant flow rate impregnation experiments of a model fluid into glass, carbon and flax fabrics and a 3D printed structure. A methodology is presented to build the dynamic saturation curve based on image analysis of the dark field images, in which the pixel intensity values are transformed into saturation level versus position and time. The results prove the suitability of this technique to observe the progressive saturation averaged through the thickness of translucent and non-translucent preforms. The porosity network formed by the layers of fabric, the refractive properties of the material, the fabric geometry and its position relative to the X-ray setup are reported to be the main parameters affecting image contrast.