Towards void formation and permeability predictions in LCM processes: A computational bifluid–solid mechanics framework dealing with capillarity and wetting issues

Abstract

A bifluid–solid contact model involving surface tension and wetting effects is developed within a finite element framework, in order to provide an accurate characterization of the fluids and fibrous behaviours during Liquid Composite Molding processes. This model is based on a Eulerian approach of two immiscible fluid (resin/air) domains with boundary conditions which prescribe wetting phenomena at fluid/fiber interfaces. The fluid interface is described by the Level Set method, on which capillary force is considered. Numerical simulations of a drop evolution with wetting effects are used to illustrate this challenging physical problem.