Abstract
The properties of Sheet Moulding Compounds (SMCs) are altered by their porosity induced during the manufacturing or moulding of these prepregs. To characterise the pore scale mechanisms occurring during SMC flow, 3D synchrotron X-ray images were acquired during the compression of two uncured SMCs. For the high fibre content SMC (50wt%), with a high porosity, pores mainly decreased in size and disappeared during SMC consolidation. These mechanisms were related to the elasticity of the fibrous networks and to the permeability of the porous phase, estimated using pore scale CFD simulation. For the standard fibre content SMC (29wt%), with a lower porosity, the compressibility was limited and closed pores were transported towards the external surface of samples with non-affine motion, i.e., faster than the SMC flow and with tortuous trajectories. Besides, pores coalesced and decreased in size during compression. The size decrease was mainly related to the dissolution of pore gases.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
