Development of Embedded Acoustic Waveguides for Monitoring Composite Material Processing and Non-Destructive Evaluation

摘要

Objectives of this dual-use project were to develop acoustic waveguide (AWG) sensors for monitoring the processing conditions (viscosity, gelatinization, hardening) during laboratory liquid composite molding, and to use the embedded AWG for structural health monitoring of the composite parts. Benefits to both the U.S. Army and the U.S. automotive industry are better quality and lower cost parts, and lifetime structural health monitoring. AWG sensors and programmable instrumentation were developed to yield a degree of cure curve for liquid molded composite parts; and sense mold filling and resin gas content. In the area of NDE development it was determined that AWG can function as strain sensors within composite materials and also yield information on the strength of bondlines. A video has been made which shows AWG cure monitoring of a composite part. Four scientific papers have been written and published in regard to the work performed under this contract. It is recommended that the techniques developed on this project be transitioned to actual factory-type of resin transfer molding machines.