| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/J46371/01 |
| Title: |
REAL TIME DIELECTRIC CURE MONITORING OF COMMERCIAL COMPOSITES |
| Principal Investigator: |
Bucknall, Professor C |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
Sch of Industrial and Manufacturing Scie |
| Organisation: |
Cranfield University |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
07 July 1994 |
Ends: |
06 January 1996 |
Value (£): |
82,765
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Materials Characterisation |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| Aerospace, Defence and Marine |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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The programme builds upon recent progress at Cranfield in applying dielectric monitoring techniques to the cure of commercial epoxy resins an carbon-fibre composites under non-isothermal conditions. The work has shown that key points in the reaction can be identified and related to the kinetics of cure and (where appropriate) phase separation in unreinforced resins and is applicable to carbon-fibre reinforced laminates. Of particular interest are the point of minimum viscosity, the period of phase separation, the gel point and the alphs transition (associated with vitrification). The proposed programme will develop a similar data base for the two major resins used in aerospace composites: epoxy resins cured with dicyanodiamide (Dicy) and for formulated bismaleimides. Modifications in the dielectric behaviour due to the presence of carbon fibres will be investigated. Optimum position of the embedded sensors within composite parts will be studied and the effects on fibre concentration and distribution of applying pressure in the autoclave at times other than the optimum indicated by the dielectric signal will be evaluated. Mechanical tests will be carried out in order to determine whether embedded sensors weaken the structure. The ultimate goal is to develop reliable and industrially acceptable procedures for control of autoclave cure.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.cranfield.ac.uk |