JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #100 - Special JEC Asia - October 2015 - 76

permeability

Tab. 1: Product characteristics
Test piece dimensions

Preform thickness

Measuring range
Fig. 3: Mould shown in X,Y configuration

Fig. 4: Pressure change in the case of a Kx, Ky
measurement

through the reinforcement in real time
and then, after various data relating to
the test piece (thickness, fibre volume
content, oil viscosity) have been entered,
the permeability values Kx and Ky can be
calculated. The permeability values measured are the saturated values that are to
be entered into simulation software, such
as ESI Group's PAM RTM.

Through-plane (Z)
permeability measurement
The configuration change for shifting
from the X,Y module to the Z module is
very rapid. The Z tool consists of two
distributors on either side of the test
piece that inject the resin through the
reinforcement in a perfectly throughplane flow.
A central pressure sensor is used to measure Kz using the consecutive differences
in pressure measured as the resin flows
through the reinforcement.

Correlation of measurements:
comparing Easyperm's measured
values with those simulated with
PAM-RTM
Permeability measurements serve mainly
to simulate processes. To get a reliable
simulation, the measurement protocol
must be reliable and robust. One of

In-plane (Kx,y)

300*300mm square

Through-plane (Kz)

Ø200mm disk

In-plane (Kx,y)

1-30mm

Through-plane (Kz)

1-15mm

In-plane (Kx,y)

2.10 m² < 1.10-9m²

Through-plane (Kz)

Up to 10-14m²

Fig. 5: Mould shown in Z configuration

Easyperm's main objectives is to provide
each user with a reliable permeability measurement protocol that can be
integrated into ESI Group's PAM-RTM
simulation software programme to
obtain robust simulations.
The values obtained were validated and
the correlation between real measurements and the simulation was determined during a validation step in which the
pressure values measured during a test
on the Easyperm bench were compared
with those obtained during the PAMRTM simulation of the same test. This
was done by superimposing the pressure
curves obtained in both cases. This
procedure showed a good correlation
between the results and enabled the
validation of the values obtained.

Advantages and benefits
The 3D Easyperm permeability test
bench is an operational, robust standalone tool that delivers reliable permeability values. It is based on Darcy's Law
and uses a measurement protocol based
on physical parameters that are measured
using sensors embedded in the mould.
The bench allows both in-plane and
through-plane permeability measurements, using the same equipment, and
is dedicated to process modelling. The

76 jec composites magazine / No100 October 2015

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Fig. 6: Pressure changes in the case of a Kz measurement

permeability values obtained can be directly integrated into simulation software
like PAM-RTM (ESI Group). Easyperm
can also be used as quality control equipment for dry reinforcements. n
More information:
www.ppe.asso.fr

Fig. 7: Easyperm mould model in PAM-RTM

Fig. 8: Permeability test simulation in the
Easyperm mould

http://www.ppe.asso.fr

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #100 - Special JEC Asia - October 2015