RTM Process Monitoring and Strain Acquisition by Fibre Optics

The development of Resin Transfer Moulding technology for advanced applications requires a detailed analysis and control of the process. Fibres optics and Fibres Bragg Gratings are useful tools to investigate composite structures during their lifetime service. They are here employed for the monitoring of manufacturing phase and the acquisition of strains during product usage in service. The adopted monitoring procedure allows to follow all the stages of the production process, evidencing their possible influences over final laminate characteristics. Resin injection, curing and cooling, mould extraction, sensor position, deformation control during mechanical testing are analysed on the basis of the signal output from fibre optic sensors embedded in a model component.