In situ 3D observations of capillary-driven flows in parallel arrangements of rigid fibres using X-ray microtomography

Capillary-driven impregnation phenomena occurring in fibre bundles during the processing of composite materials are complex and still not fully understood. Hence, synchrotron X-ray microtomography was used to characterise longitudinal propagation flow front within a parallel arrangement rigid fibres. The analysis 3D images enabled fluid-air interface curvatures, triple line lengths, local contact angles be quantified wetting dewetting experiments. results showed that even quasi-static situations, exhibited significant variations along These also depended on wetting/dewetting state. transverse capillary forces measured at scale from were shown same order magnitude as forces. Local curvatures resulting estimate average pressure proved relevance mesoscale model adapted for bundles.