Abstract
In the proposed work, a fiber-optic-based sensor network was employed for the monitoring of the liquid resin infusion process. The item under test was a panel composed by a skin and four stringers, sensorized in such a way that both the temperature and the resin arrival could be monitored. The network was arranged with 18 Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs) working as temperature sensors and 22 fiber optic probes with a modified front-end in order to detect the resin presence. After an in-depth study to find a better solution to install the sensors without affecting the measurements, the system was investigated using a commercial Micron Optics at 0.5 Hz, with a passive split-box connected in order to be able to sense all the sensors simultaneously. The obtained results in terms of resin arrival detection at different locations and the relative temperature trend allowed us to validate an infusion process numerical model, giving us better understanding of what the actual resin flow was and the time needed to dry preform filling during the infusion process.
Highlights
As in most cases in the engineering field, manufacturing methods are driven principally by the cost and the quality of the purpose, subjected to a trade-off
This paper presents the monitoring of temperature and resin arrival in the liquid resin infusion (LRI) process employing Fiber Optic Sensor (FOS) technology, with the aim to validate a pre-existent numerical model
Among the various types of FOSs, the natural candidate to achieve the aim of this work was the Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor, which was employed for the monitoring of the temperature while, for resin detection, a modified front-end of the optical fiber was designed
Summary
As in most cases in the engineering field, manufacturing methods are driven principally by the cost and the quality of the purpose, subjected to a trade-off. An example is given for the improvement of the manufacturing process of large-area structures in composite material, which is centered on Resin Transfer Molding (RTM, as described in [1]), compression and autoclave vacuum bag methods. This paper presents the monitoring of temperature and resin arrival in the LRI process employing Fiber Optic Sensor (FOS) technology, with the aim to validate a pre-existent numerical model. A simulation model is typically used for LRI process optimization in terms of the infusion strategy (the number and position of resin inlets and outlets) and bagging scheme of new parts by reducing the number of manufacturing trials needed for the development of the process. Among the various types of FOSs, the natural candidate to achieve the aim of this work was the Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor, which was employed for the monitoring of the temperature while, for resin detection, a modified front-end of the optical fiber was designed
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
