Cure Monitoring of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Composite Via Laser Vibrometry

摘要

Effective in-line cure monitoring is crucial for quality and cost optimization ofcarbon fiber reinforced (CFR) composites manufacturing. The capability to ensure highquality and low cost production of CFR composites through improved monitoringmethods will make the material more accessible to various industries.In the present study, 3D scanning laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV) is used as ameans of remote, non-invasive monitoring of the degree of cure in unidirectional CFRepoxy prepreg tape. Analysis of the surface velocity of the test samples shows thechanges in vibration characteristics that relate to the viscoelastic properties of thematerial. These properties are directly affected by phase transitions that occur as thesample cures. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is used to develop a baselinemodel against which the laser vibrometry data are analyzed.The presented findings will be leveraged in further development of real-time curemonitoring technologies.