Vacuum assisted resin transfer moulding process monitoring by means of distributed fibre-optic sensors: a numerical and experimental study

A novel composite manufacturing process monitoring application using fibre-optic (FO) sensors is reported for vacuum-assisted resin transfer moulding (VaRTM) with a rigid-closed mould. fully distributed Rayleigh-Backscattering based load-monitoring approach demonstrated by numerical modelling and experimental application. Lateral fabric compression reliably tracked throughout the entire VaRTM process, giving live insights on local pressure distribution, stack compaction fibre-volume fraction. These parameters have great influence quality of fibre-reinforced composites real-time tracking them will significantly improve manufactured part, while reducing number scraps destructive testing. The final fibre volume fraction medium-sized plate industrial equipment was successfully predicted embedded FO sensor readings only. With low bend-loss single mode optical being designed survivability forming an integral part component, it enables true life-cycle monitoring.