Fiber optic sensors for process monitoring of composite aerospace structures

Jose Manuel Menendez Martin; Pedro Munoz-Esquer; Fernando Rodriguez-Lence; J. Alfredo Guemes

doi:10.1117/12.472642

27 June 2002 Fiber optic sensors for process monitoring of composite aerospace structures

Jose Manuel Menendez Martin, Pedro Munoz-Esquer, Fernando Rodriguez-Lence, J. Alfredo Guemes

Proceedings Volume 4694, Smart Structures and Materials 2002: Smart Sensor Technology and Measurement Systems; (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.472642
Event: SPIE's 9th Annual International Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials, 2002, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

There are currently available many software tools for modeling the processing of composite materials, that help designers to evaluate the process constraints and the feasibility of different concepts. Nevertheless, several manufacturing tests are still required for adjustment of the control parameters before production may start. Real time monitoring is the only way to validate the numerical results and to get a deeper knowledge on the process evolution. Final objective would be a closed loop known as 'Intelligent Material Processing'.: process model - in situ sensors - predictive control, able to react on real time to small disturbances, adapting the process parameters for optimal results. This paper concentrates on the sensor development for two aerospace processes, autoclave curing and RTM, and it present the results obtained on a real aircraft structural part, a five meter diameter frame for the fuselage of Airbus A380 . An optical fiber system has been implemented to monitor the movement of the resin flow front during the injection and the internal residual strains. The procedure has the advantage of being very robust, and it may be used for complex geometry of the part. It has been demonstrated the feasibility of the procedure to work at an industrial environment; the results are being used to refine the data on the material properties, as the preform permeability, and to improve the process control.

Citation Download Citation

Jose Manuel Menendez Martin, Pedro Munoz-Esquer, Fernando Rodriguez-Lence, and J. Alfredo Guemes "Fiber optic sensors for process monitoring of composite aerospace structures", Proc. SPIE 4694, Smart Structures and Materials 2002: Smart Sensor Technology and Measurement Systems, (27 June 2002); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.472642

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