Radial flow permeability measurement. Part B: Application

Abstract

This paper deals with permeability measurement in the context of Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM). A new approach to two-dimensional radial flow permeability measurement with constant inlet pressure is proposed in part A of this paper. In this second part experimental studies are performed to validate the new approach. The new approach is shown to accurately predict the orientation of the tensor axes. It was demonstrated how the convergence chart can be used to check whether the experimental results follow the underlying assumptions of the model. Examples are given of acceptable and unacceptable measurements. Experimental design is introduced to investigate the variation of measured permeability between individual experimental runs. It was concluded that most of the observed variation was the result of flow front measurement sensors used in the experiment. Finally the new approach is compared with current methods. Differences are discussed. It is shown that the new approach extends the capabilities of current methods.