Wetometer for Measurement of Moisture in Composites

A combined experimental and analytic approach to moisture diffusion analysis (MDA) has evolved in proof of principle form as a new instrument termed a ~ist~re ~rof~lometer .. The ob~ec~ive in m?isture profilometry is the quantitative analysis of the spat1al d1str1but~on of m?1stu~e.w1th1n compos1tes . and definition of localized internal stress fields. An electrolyt1c cell 1s ut1l1zed to record cumulat1ve moisture evolution and moisture effusion rate. Variation of cell geometry accommodates either laboratory analysis of small composite damage control specimens or field inspection of ~imited sur~ace area~ of composite structure in an area scanning mode. An important new aspect of mo1sture prof1lome~ry 1s calculation of the depth profile of moisture concentration from measurement of su~a:e effus1on an~ . rate with time. Statistical estimation theory is aoplied to this problem and prel1m1nary results.1nd1cate that concurrent calculations can generate moisture concentration profiles during the course of mo1sture effusion measurements. Results of initial instrument design and computational analysis will be demonstrated and discussed.