In-situ monitoring of liquid composite molding process using piezoelectric sensor network

The excellent properties of advanced composite materials provide great opportunities for making industrial structures large-scale and intelligent. Liquid composite molding process is suitable for manufacturing complex large-scale composite structures and has the potential for low cost and mass production. In present work, the concept of Networked Elements for Resin Visualization and Evaluation network was developed to measure and monitor the manufacturing process in-situ. This paper investigates the capability of piezoelectric lead-zirconate-titanate sensors in the Networked Elements for Resin Visualization and Evaluation network to monitor two important parameters in liquid composite molding process, including the resin flow front and the progress of the reaction. The piezoelectric lead-zirconate-titanate sensor network can be integrated with a composite structure either installed on the interface between the mold and laminates or embedded inside the laminates during the liquid composite molding process. Experimental results demonstrated that the liquid composite molding process can be effectively monitored by the embedded Networked Elements for Resin Visualization and Evaluation network with a piezoelectric lead-zirconate-titanate sensor network.