System for In-situ Defect Detection in Composites During Cure

About this technology

Overview

Innovators at the NASA Langley Research Center, in collaboration with Analytical Mechanics Associates, have developed an automated ultrasonic scanning system for in-situ cure monitoring and defect detection of composites in an autoclave or an oven. This non-destructive evaluation system is based on an ultrasonic contact scanner enclosed in an insulated vessel placed inside of the autoclave. The system actively scans for any defects that may form in composites during the cure process and tracks movement of defects originating during layup or cure. Typically, non-destructive evaluation of composites, by ultrasound or other means, is conducted either before or after the cure process, but many defects vanish and form during cure. NASA's in-situ cure monitoring system, by contrast, provides real-time monitoring of defect formation and movement during cure. This not only offers a better understanding of defect sources and sinks, but also the ability to more accurately validate process models for the prediction of cure process defects.