Permeability of clustered fiber networks: Modeling of the unit cell

The paper is focused on estimating the permeability of a clustered fiber network by variational methods. First, a laminar flow in ducts is considered by using polynomial trial functions. Then, a longitudinal flow through a square array is described by expanding the flow-rate field in trigonometric and Laurent series. Finally, a formal scheme for estimating the longitudinal permeability in a cluster with an irregular distribution of fibers is given. The irregular distribution is modeled by setting an individual effective radius for each fiber and then letting this fiber reach its minimum gravitational energy. The results obtained here form a basis for future predictions of the permeability of fibrous reinforcements.