Documents published in Scipedia

• Buckling monitoring in composite material structures using sensors

  S. Domínguez Gómez, D. del-Río-Velilla, J. Sesé, A. Fernández

  Materiales Compuestos (Online first).

  
  

  Abstract

  The aerospace industry employs composite materials in high-responsibility structural components due to their excellent strength-to-weight ratio and suitable mechanical properties. However, their response under critical loads, such as buckling, requires advanced tools for analysis and monitoring to ensure structural integrity under all conditions. To diagnose buckling phenomena (detection, localization, characterization, and prognosis), this study proposes the use of MEMS sensor arrays and fiber optic. When properly distributed on the structure, they offer an accurate solution for such diagnosis, enabling continuous monitoring of the structural state. A system for data acquisition, visualization, and analysis will be presented to diagnose different buckling modes in a composite panel. This approach allows for structural design optimization and the development of preventive maintenance strategies for structures prone to buckling.

  Abstract
  The aerospace industry employs composite materials in high-responsibility structural components due to their excellent strength-to-weight ratio and suitable mechanical properties. [...]

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• Study of distortion and residual stresses produced by a tool manufactured using additive manufacturing

  D. del-Río-Velilla, A. PEDRAZA, I. LOPEZ-LORENTE, A. Fernandez-Lopez

  Materiales Compuestos (Online first).

  
  

  Abstract

  The manufacture of curing tools for composite materials using 3D printing represents an innovative, rapid, and economical solution, especially for small production runs. It is an efficient alternative to traditional machining, although its influence on the mold must be known. A method for manufacturing high-temperature laminating tools is proposed, based on a 3D printed model and short fiberglass-reinforced epoxy resin, which allows its use at temperatures up to 160 °C. The influence of the tool will be studied through a dimensional analysis of the geometric variations of the model throughout each stage, from 3D printing to the post-curing required for working at high temperatures. The results of this analysis will be discussed and will allow the development of compensation techniques to minimize deviations between the final part and the nominal geometry and the reduction of residual stresses to improve the precision and repeatability of the process.

  Abstract
  The manufacture of curing tools for composite materials using 3D printing represents an innovative, rapid, and economical solution, especially for small production runs. It [...]

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• Resin infusion monitoring with distributed measurement fiber optic sensors

  A. Pedraza, D. del-Río-Velilla, A. Fernandez-Lopez

  Materiales Compuestos (Online first).

  
  

  Abstract

  Despite advances in composite materials, manufacturing processes still present high uncertainty and variability, which affect quality and structural properties. In the case of resin infusion (RLI) manufacturing methods, methods have been developed to predict resin flow, ranging from analytical and numerical methods based on Darcy's law to active control techniques, although the number of sensors and the difficulties of measuring inside the preforms limit the practical use of these techniques. Fiber optic sensors (FOS) are particularly suitable for process monitoring due to their small size and ability to be embedded without significantly altering material properties. However, FOS monitoring is affected by temperature variations associated with the manufacturing process itself (mold temperature and chemical reactions), as the typical readings of these sensors are a linear combination of temperature and strain. This work will explore whether it is possible to use these sensors to monitor the different manufacturing stages.

  Abstract
  Despite advances in composite materials, manufacturing processes still present high uncertainty and variability, which affect quality and structural properties. In the case [...]

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