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Viscoelastic–plastic cyclic compaction response and microstructural normalization of single-layer woven fabrics in vacuum infusion
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DOI：10.1016/j.compstruct.2026.120740.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
In Vacuum Infusion (VI), cyclic compaction before infusion enhances fiber volume fraction by driving the microstructural normalization of the fabrics. Because mechanical testing machines cannot replicate flexible tooling mechanics, this study characterizes the in-situ viscoelastic–plastic cyclic compaction response of a single-layer 2/2 twill glass woven fabric and optimizes key cyclic compaction parameters. Using an automated VI workstation with high-resolution thickness measurement ( 1μm resolution), the dry fabric underwent 15 compaction cycles at 2 kPa/s and 4 kPa/s, followed by a 20-min degassing phase. Minimum compaction and maximum relaxation thicknesses exhibited exponential decay, converging to asymptotic states independent of compaction rate. The 4 kPa/s rate induced higher elastic and lower time-dependent deformation during compaction than the 2 kPa/s rate, while creep and relaxation deformations stabilized rapidly without significant rate dependence. To improve efficiency while maintaining normalization, 15 cycles at 4 kPa/s are recommended. Optimizing compaction holding durations (40 s for cycles 1–10; 30 s for cycles 11–15) and pairing them with a constant 10 s relaxation hold saves 660.3 ± 11.1 s. Ultimately, cyclic compaction and degassing yield a fully normalized fabric architecture suitable for subsequent resin infusion, establishing a robust characterization methodology for diverse reinforcements.
Keywords:
Cyclic compaction
Compaction response
Vacuum infusion
Process monitoring
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7.1
Papers:
1.8W
Citations:
8.0W
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