Development of a wireless, multifunctional sensor system for the acquisition of process parameters during the manufacture of composites.

由于零件几何形状和反应动力学之间复杂的相互关系，复合材料制造的过程控制面临着巨大的挑战。虽然可以监测某些样品中热固性树脂的固化，但这些知识不能轻易转移到现实生活中的零件和结构。因此，获得可靠的实时数据，以便能够根据热固性树脂固化的进展来控制工艺是至关重要的。用于确定此类树脂固化的最先进测量系统的一个示例是使用介电传感器。不幸的是，这种传感器的应用受到很大的限制，因为它们是电缆连接的。该研究项目的目标是开发一种无线传感器系统，该系统允许在线监测固化程度和反应温度，并对最终部件的性能产生最小的影响。为此，应通过微波谐振器（电性能）和石英晶体（温度）的新型组合获得相关数据，该组合使用反向散射转发器技术。电源将通过电磁耦合实现。这种设置避免了电缆布线和电缆穿透造成的弱点所带来的电流限制。因此，它将允许大大提高用最先进的生产技术制造的复合材料部件的质量。

The process control for the manufacture of composites imposes great challenges due to the complex interrelations between part geometry and reaction kinetics. Although it is possible to monitor the cure of thermosetting resins in certain specimens, this knowledge cannot easily be transferred to real-life parts and structures. Therefore it is crucial to obtain reliable real-time data to be able to control the process based on the advancement of the cure of the thermoset.One example of state-of-the-art measurement systems for determining the cure of such resins is the use of dielectric sensors. Unfortunately the application of such sensors is strongly limited due to the fact that they are cabled. The goal of this research project is to develop a wireless sensor system that allows the on-line monitoring of the cure degree and the reaction temperature and has a minimal impact on the properties of the final part. For this the relevant data shall be obtained by a novel combination of a microwave resonator (electric properties) and a quartz crystal (temperature), which uses backscatter transponder technology. The power supply will be realised via electro-magnetic coupling. This setup avoids current restrictions imposed by cable routeing and weak spots due to cable penetration. Hence it will allow for greatly improving the quality of composite parts manufactured with state-of-the-art production techniques.