Homogenized free surface flow in porous media for wet‐out processing. (7th May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wu, Da; Larsson, Ragnar
• Is Part Of: International journal for numerical methods in engineering. Volume 115:Number 4(2018)
• Page Start: 445
• Page End: 461
• Publication Date: 2018-05-07
• Subjects: free surface flow -- partial saturation -- porous media theory -- process modeling -- resin transfer molding; Numerical analysis -- Periodicals; Engineering mathematics -- Periodicals; 620.001518
• DOI: 10.1002/nme.5812
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-5981

Abstract

Summary: This paper presents a novel porous media model for homogenized free surface flow, representing wet‐out composites processing. The model is derived from concepts of homogenization applied to a compressible two‐phase flow, accounting for capillary effects and the concept of relative permeability. Based on mass balance considerations, we obtain a nonlinear set of equations of convection‐diffusion type involving the mixture (fluid) pressure and the degree of saturation as primary fields. A staggered Galerkin finite element approach is employed to decouple the solution. Moreover, the streamline upwind/Petrov‐Galerkin technique is applied to attenuate the oscillations in the saturation solutions. The model accuracy and convergence of the finite element solutions are demonstrated through 1‐dimensional and 2‐dimensional examples, representing resin transfer molding flow processes.