Tracking consolidation of out-of-autoclave prepreg corners using pressure sensors

A total of eight corner pieces with the four different thickness-to-radius ratio, one set using external and internal tooling, were made to identify how unidirectional carbon-epoxy prepreg layers consolidate during lay-up oven vacuum bag moulding. Flexible thin-film pressure sensors introduced both mould surfaces measurements taken hand lay-up. second sensor was added monitor gradient changes Time-lapsed found that geometry-induced excess on corners decreases moulding, leading some thinning but this effect is small. Meanwhile, parts saw significant ply-bridging in high conditions could not be resolved consolidation, resulting thickening voids. The flexible are a viable option for in-situ monitoring potential meso-structural defects composite product development or manufacture.