Numerical and Experimental Study of the Bleeder Flow in Autoclave Process

In the autoclave process, resin flow is a primary mechanics for the removing of excess resin and voids entrapped in the laminate and obtaining a uniform and void free composite part. A numerical method was developed to simulate the resin flow in the laminate and the bleeder, and the effects of ‘bleeder flow’ on the resin flow and fiber compaction were conducted. At the same time, fiber distribution in the cured laminates was investigated by both experiments and simulations for the CF/Epoxy and CF/BMI composites. The data of the experiments and simulations demonstrated that fibers consolidated and reconsolidated in the laminate and it was impacted by the viscosity and gel time of the resin system. Compared to the post study in which only resin flow in the laminate are considered, these results will deepen the understanding of the consolidation process, resin pressure variation and void control during the autoclave process, which is valuable for the study of the performance of composite parts, provided that fiber distribution does affect some properties of composite material.