Experimental study of monitoring and controlling of composite cure processin autoclave featured with fiber optic sensor

With the aid of the latest fiber optic sensing technology, parameters in th e cure process of thermosetting resin-matrix composite, such as temperature , viscosity, void and residual stress, can be monitored entirely and effici ently. In this paper, experiment results of viscosity measurement in compos ite cure process in autoclave using fiber optic sensors are presented. Base d on the sensed information, a computer program is utilized to control the cure process. With this technology, the cure process becomes more apparent and controllable, which will greatly improve the cured products and reduce the cost.