Experimental investigation of a method to avoid channel marks during vacuum infusion

Abstract

Today the impregnation of dry fibre materials is a production method preferred for large composite parts like wind turbine rotor blades or aircraft wing covers. One of the recurring problems of the production process is that the used resin distribution channels leave marks on the surface of the part. The result of the marks in the channel area is a localized deformation of the fibre material, and hence the laminate becomes more prone to shear buckling in this area. The purpose of this paper is to present a report on an unconventional infusion method to avoid channel marks on composite part's surfaces. The channels can be activated by a pressure difference. If the channels are deactivated during a specific process window no channel marks will be left on the part's surface. In order to verify the inexistence of channel marks, three analytical processes are used.