Liquid flow through aligned fiber beds

Abstract

Abstract The influence of surface properties on the flow of fluids, including epoxy resin, through aligned glass and other fiber beds has been examined. The observed flow rates were higher than those predicted from the Kozeny‐Carman equation, and were influenced by the surface properties of the fluid used. This is attributed to variations in the distribution of porosities and to the presence of air bubbles trapped during the initial wetting of the bed. The implications of these findings to the preparation of composites are discussed.