Compaction, nesting and image based permeability analysis of multi-layer dry preforms by computed tomography (CT)

Textile preforms have a multi-scale hierarchy of fibres, tows and plies; geometry at each scale influences the manufacturing processes, permeability textile to resin as well mechanical properties finished laminate. High-fidelity structural models for composites require accurate non-idealised tow changes this during processing. This paper presents CT-based experimental technique capturing realistic meso-scale individual in 2D fabric layer nesting or ply shifting between layers multi-layer stack simulated consolidation process. An in-situ compression loading mechanism has been implemented order capture preform geometry. Inter-tow inter-ply void captured 3D due high x-ray contrast fibres air. The degree connectivity adjacent voids assessed stage compaction image-based flow analysis performed on extracted effect evaluated. Image-based prediction values good agreement with found literature when normalised function fibre volume fractions.