A dielectric sensor for measuring flow in resin transfer moulding.

The development, analysis and experimental validation of a novel flow and cure sensor for use in the resin transfer moulding of composites are presented. A linear relationship is established between the flow front position in the mould and electrical admittance measurements gathered using the sensor setup, allowing accurate flow front location. The sensor performance as an indicator of flow front position is evaluated using visual verification. Its efficiency for monitoring of the curing stage is assessed by comparison of the measurements with data obtained from more conventional microdielectrometry. Experimental results demonstrate that the sensor can locate the flow front accurately. The measurement output is in the form of a complex number; this suggests a potential qualitative self-assessment method. The monitoring of the cure process using the new sensor shows performance similar to that of the established microdielectrometric techniques.