Ultrasonic cure monitoring of advanced composites

Conference · Wed Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1997

OSTI ID:577612

Shepard, D D; Smith, K R

Measurements of the ultrasonic sound speed of thermosetting resins and composites can be used as an in-process cure monitoring technique. Ultrasonic measurements have an advantage over other in-process techniques in that ultrasonic sensors do not make contact with the part (thus leaving no imbedded sensor or witness mark) and can make true bulk measurements of the part. A new commercially available ultrasonic cure monitoring system for the cure monitoring of thermosetting resins and composites has been developed. Advancements in ultrasonic sensor technology enable the self-contained ultrasonic sensor to be easily installed in a mold and maintain good coupling to the part during thermal cycling to 260{degrees}C. Data is presented showing the chance in ultrasonic sound speed during the compression molding of epoxy prepregs. The data shows a good relationship to the electrical resistivity data collected via dielectric cure monitoring. The ultrasonic technique is also applicable to phenolic based materials.

• OSTI ID: 577612
• Report Number(s): CONF-970431--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
COMPRESSION
CURING
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
MONITORING
RESINS
THERMAL CYCLING
ULTRASONIC WAVES