SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING A COMPOSITE CURE CYCLE
First Claim
1. A system for monitoring at least one of a resin infusion process and a composite cure cycle of a composite article, the system comprising:
- an ultrasonic transmitter configured to deliver an acoustic wave to a resin-infused fiber preform;
an ultrasonic receiver configured to receive the acoustic wave propagated through the resin-infused fiber preform; and
a processor configured to;
estimate at least one parameter using the received acoustic wave; and
use the at least one parameter to determine an extent to which at least one resin has infused into the resin-infused fiber preform.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system for monitoring at least one of a resin infusion process and a composite cure cycle of a composite article is provided. The system includes an ultrasonic transmitter configured to deliver an acoustic wave to a resin-infused fiber preform and an ultrasonic receiver configured to receive the acoustic wave propagated through the resin-infused fiber preform. The system also includes a processor configured to estimate at least one parameter using the received acoustic wave and to use the at least one parameter to determine an extent to which at least one resin has infused into the resin-infused fiber preform.
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Citations
27 Claims
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1. A system for monitoring at least one of a resin infusion process and a composite cure cycle of a composite article, the system comprising:
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an ultrasonic transmitter configured to deliver an acoustic wave to a resin-infused fiber preform; an ultrasonic receiver configured to receive the acoustic wave propagated through the resin-infused fiber preform; and a processor configured to; estimate at least one parameter using the received acoustic wave; and use the at least one parameter to determine an extent to which at least one resin has infused into the resin-infused fiber preform. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A system for monitoring at least one of a resin infusion process and a composite cure cycle of a composite article, the system comprising:
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an electromagnetic sensor configured to measure a distance between the electromagnetic sensor and a mold supporting a resin-infused fiber preform; an ultrasonic transmitter configured to deliver an acoustic wave to the resin-infused fiber preform; an ultrasonic receiver configured to receive the acoustic wave propagated through the resin-infused fiber preform; and a processor configured to; estimate at least one parameter from the measured distance between the electromagnetic sensor and the mold; and use the received acoustic wave to determine an extent to which at least one resin has infused into the resin-infused fiber preform. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for monitoring at least one of a resin infusion process and a composite cure cycle of a composite article, the method comprising:
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delivering an acoustic wave to a resin-infused fiber preform of the composite; receiving an acoustic wave propagated through the resin-infused fiber preform; estimating at least one parameter using the received acoustic wave; and using the at least one parameter to determine an extent to which at least one resin has infused into the resin-infused fiber preform. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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21. A method for monitoring at least one of a resin infusion process and a composite cure cycle of a composite article, the method comprising:
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measuring a distance between a mold supporting a resin-infused fiber preform and an electromagnetic sensor using the electromagnetic sensor; delivering an acoustic wave to the resin-infused fiber preform of the composite article; receiving an acoustic wave propagated through the resin-infused fiber preform; estimating at least one parameter using the received acoustic wave and the measured distance; and using the at least one parameter to determine an extent to which at least one resin has infused into the resin-infused fiber preform. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A system for manufacturing a composite article, comprising:
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a mold for receiving a fiber preform; a vacuum bag for applying pressure to the fiber preform during a resin infusion process to facilitate infusion of at least one resin into the fiber preform; an electromagnetic sensor coupled to the vacuum bag and configured to measure a distance between the electromagnetic sensor and the mold; an ultrasonic transmitter coupled to the mold and configured to deliver an acoustic wave to the resin-infused fiber preform; an ultrasonic receiver coupled to the vacuum bag and configured to receive the acoustic wave propagated through the resin-infused fiber preform; and a processor configured to; estimate at least one parameter from the measured distance, use the received acoustic wave to determine an extent to which the at least one resin has infused into the resin-infused fiber preform, and control at least one operating parameter of the composite cure cycle based upon the at least one parameter. - View Dependent Claims (27)
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Specification