In-situ Non-Contact Monitoring of Defects in Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) and their Impact on Mechanical Performance

Abstract

Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) is a fast and reliable manufacturing technique for composite structures but is prone to defects such as gaps and wrinkles, as well as difficulties in assessing tape quality and compaction during layup. By leveraging advanced ultrasonic sensing technology, this project seeks to detect all AFP defects instantly, allowing for immediate corrections and improving the overall reliability of composite parts. The project also aims to understand how these defects affect the mechanical performance ofcomposite structures, particularly their damage tolerance. Successful implementation of this technology could revolutionize composite structures, simplifying certification processes, enhancing performance, reducing costs, and minimizing reliance on expensive traditional non-destructive evaluation methods such as X-ray and immersion ultrasonic testing.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Nov 08, 2024
Source ID
N000142412481

Entities

People

  • Francesco Lanza Di Scalea

Organizations

  • Office of Naval Research
  • United States Navy
  • University of California, San Diego

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Distributed Systems and Data Platform Development
  • Reinforced Composite Materials
  • Structural Health Monitoring of Composite Structures.