Objective
Current industrial practice related to the processing of thermoset based composite materials involves the establishment of acceptable process conditions by trial and error. At present a satisfactory method for continuously monitoring the state of cure of the resins within the composite matrix does not exist.
The aim of this research is to develop the technology which will enable the process conditions for autoclave and press moulding of fibre composite components to be established in real time from within the body of the composite component. The technology will be based on sensors embedded in the structure so as to be able to sense the internal conditions during the curing process.
The major research thrust involved in the development of this technology include:
Developing sensors which can be embedded in the composite to enable the state of cure and other process variables to be measured internally at critical points. Sensor development will be based on optical fibre technology and acoustic impedance will give the capability to monitor, amongst other parameters, temperature pressure and chemical changes.
Developing practical means of embedding sensors and of making rugged connections to embedded sensors.
Investigating the effect of various arrays of embedded sensors on the mechanical properties of composites.
Fabricating demonstration components using embedded sensors to control process conditions.
The technology developed in this project is expected to have wide applicability over a range of industrial sectors using composite materials. Benefits will include quicker and cheaper optimization of process conditions at the product development and prototype stage, improved control over process parameters leading to higher levels of consistency of product, reduced wastage and process costs and greater confidence in the applicability of composite materials in complex components and structures. A further speculative benefit could well be that the sensors embedded in the structure for process monitoring may be suitable for use during the life of the composite component/ structure to give such a smart capability.
The consortium proposing this project have all the necessary skills and technology to bring the research to successful realization. The consortium partners experience include development of optical fibre for specialist applications in process monitoring, optical fibre system development, industrial partners with process equipment for fibre composite material manufacture and fibre optic condition monitoring development, acoustic systems based on piezoelectric materials.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology materials engineering composites
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
- natural sciences physical sciences optics fibre optics
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
LE1 9BH Leicester
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.