Abstract
Application of advanced composite materials, namely carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) to aerospace structures is currently expanding from simple components to complex-shape integrated structures. The objective of this study is to establish a new process control technique and to optimize the cure cycle of intergrated CFRP structure, by in-process direct measurement of electrical properties of the article in an autoclave. This paper presents some availabilities of monitoring electrical properties for the process control, and the results of experimental studies to obtain the optimum pressurization timing during the autoclave cure of CFRP laminates by monitoring the dielectric and resistance changes of their resin matrices.
