Virtual Characterization of the Pore Structure of Nonwoven

Nonwoven may be digitized by two methods: as images taken from real media, 
or as generated computer representations obtained from average properties 
of real media (porosity, fiber diameters, and fiber orientation). Given an 
accurate correlation between reality and the computer representation of 
nonwoven, the use of generated media can accelerate the search for potential
improvements. We discuss the computer simulation of mercury intrusion 
porosimetry by the pore morphology method, and present some examples. Through 
the pore morphology method, it is possible to establish links between production 
parameters like grammage and fiber diameters, and the porosimetry measurements. 
Real media experiments would require more effort, cost and time. Automation of 
the procedure, from fiber generation to property computation, allows deriving 
analytic formulas for pore size measures depending on production parameters.