Quantification of Unidirectional Fiber Bed Permeability

A new approach to the closed form quantification of the permeability of a bed of unidirectional fibers is proposed. The methodology is founded on the phase average form of the Navier-Stokes equation and is applied here to low Reynolds number laminar flow of an isotropic non-homogeneous Newtonian flu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of composite materials 1994-05, Vol.28 (7), p.619-637
Main Authors: Westhuizen, Josiasvd, Plessis, J. Prieur Du
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:A new approach to the closed form quantification of the permeability of a bed of unidirectional fibers is proposed. The methodology is founded on the phase average form of the Navier-Stokes equation and is applied here to low Reynolds number laminar flow of an isotropic non-homogeneous Newtonian fluid through a bed of randomly packed unidirectional fibers. Permeability in both the longitudinal and transverse directions is shown to be a function of fiber volume fraction and fiber diameter only. The results are combined in a flow resistance tensor through which the phase-average Navier-Stokes equation is transformed into a practical tool for the numerical analysis of macroscopic flow in geometrically complex composite moldings. Encouraging agreement between the presented analytical solutions and published experimental results is demonstrated.
ISSN:0021-9983
1530-793X
DOI:10.1177/002199839402800703