Flow and pressure experiments for laminate fabrication
Abstract
Experimental methods are presented to determine the amount of resin flow and the pressure distribution within a composite laminate during cure. The resin flow method is analogous to the use of radioactive tracers in other applications. Heavier elements such as chlorine and bromine, which may be naturally present in small amounts in resins are used to follow resin flow and mixing. The presence and quantity of these tags is determined using wavelength dispersive X-ray analysis. The pressure distribution is measured using small postage stamp-sized resistive sensors. It is shown that these sensors can currently provide a qualitative picture of the pressure distribution through the thickness of the laminate. Results from these methods are discussed in light of current processing models.
- Publication:
-
36th International SAMPE Symposium and Exhibition
- Pub Date:
- 1991
- Bibcode:
- 1991sampesymp..298P
- Keywords:
-
- Bromination;
- Curing;
- Laminates;
- Polymer Matrix Composites;
- Pressure Measurement;
- Fabrication;
- Pressure Distribution;
- Pressure Sensors;
- X Ray Spectroscopy;
- Instrumentation and Photography