VARTM FVF

[SeanieC]

Ive been asked to get a 42% FVF in a fibreglass / polyester part using VARTM, measuring about 3mm thick.What's mad is that chopped strand has been requested in there also, so not a hope 40% FVF is going to happen.
Im proposing doing a layered biaxial or multi-axial lay-up with the finest CSM mesh I can find! Does that seem reasonable or have I just been looking at this too long and am missing the bigger picture?!?
Thanks dudes

 

[Compositepro]

42% fiber volume fraction does not sound too challenging. But it really depends entirely on the bulk of the specific fiber forms you choose to use, and how you control the infusion process. A good infusion media will help to get a uniform compaction pressure over the part, which is needed to get uniform thickness. After infusion is complete, apply a controlled vacuum to both the vacuum and injection ports.

 

[SeanieC]

Thanks
It shouldnt be too challenging as long as CSM is kept to an absolute minimum I assume? Surely not possible to get that FVF with a high portion of CSM?
I was thinking primarily biaxial cloth which probably isnt the easiest to infuse but better than CSM - maybe some wovens in there also to help flow? Ill not be able to put any infusion media in there Id imagine if the target is 42% FVF, thats correct isnt it? Probably just a longer gel-time resin to ensure it all gets in.