Monitoring of Out-of-Autoclave BMI Composites Using Fiber Optic Sensors

Abstract

Bismaleimide (BMI) composites are used in applications that require good mechanical properties at high temperatures. In this paper, a Non-destructive inspection technique for BMI composites which can be used at high temperatures is presented. Cavity based External Fabry-Perot Interferometer (EFPI) optical sensors have been developed and embedded in the laminates. These sensors are capable of operating in temperatures up to 800°C. The embedded sensors are used to perform real time cure monitoring of a BMI composite. The composite is cured using an out-of-autoclave (OOA) process. Once the composite is cured, the same sensors are used to measure mechanical performance of the laminate. The performance of the embedded sensor is investigated under tensile loading at room temperature as well as elevated temperatures.

Meeting Name

Proceedings SPIE: Nondestructive Characterization for Composite Materials, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Infrastructure, and Homeland Security 2013

Department(s)

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Second Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Composites; Fiber Optics Sensors; Inspection; Optical Sensors; Fabry-Perot Interferrometers

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2013 SPIE, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 2013

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