This paper describes the details of a novel procedure called the cure-refer
encing method (CRM) to measure the strains associated with residual stresse
s on the surface of composite panels. The CRM involves the replication of d
iffraction gratings onto the surface of composite specimens during the auto
clave curing cycle. Residual strains associated with the curing process are
measured using moire interferometry at room temperature after the specimen
s have been taken out of the autoclave. The procedures for both the grating
replication and the moire interferometry experiment are described in detai
l. A method of high-temperature moire interferometry was developed to resol
ve the residual strains due to thermal expansion from those due to chemical
matrix shrinkage and stress relaxation. These procedures are demonstrated
on unidirectional and multidirectional laminates and on woven textile compo
sites.