Single prepreg ply

Equations 7.2 and 7.3 represent expressions for the degree of intimate contact of a single prepreg ply in contact with a smooth rigid surface (Fig. 7.5). 

Cracks formed when local stresses exceed the strength of the matrix. In composites, because microcracks do not penetrate the reinforcing fibers, in cross-ply or cloth prepreg tape laminates, they are usually limited to the thickness of a single ply. 

Resin Flow Submodel. Resin flow analysis in a manufacturing process provides estimates of resin flow, and fiber and resin distribution and compaction. In the early stage of the autoclave process, after the prepregs are staked and vacuum hagged, the system is pressurized while the temperature is increased in order to minimize the resin viscosity. In this way the resin flow removes the excess resin from adjacent plies and makes uniform the fiber distribution. In the RTM process the dry fibers inside the mold can be considered as a porous medium through which the resin is injected from a single or multiple inlets Darc/s law can he used to perform a two-dimensional flow analysis. Darcy s law can he written as... 

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