Development of in-process RTM sensors for thick composite sections

Significant and very encouraging results have been obtained on the development and evaluation of sensors for both in-situ pressure measurement and resin progression for thick component resin transfer molding (RTM) processing. Both the pressure and resin progression sensors developed have potential for use beyond its initial target application, experimental validation of 3D flow models using an advantageous resin simulant (Karo/sup TM/ syrup). For pressure measurements, a low-cost, commercially-available pressure sensor has been identified, modified and successfully tested while immersed in the resin simulant. However, no commercially-available alternative for resin progression monitoring was located that would meet desired continual flow resolution requirements. To meet this challenge, an innovative concept for a capacitive sensor has successfully progressed through feasibility studies and well into prototype design, demonstration and sensitivity evaluation.