Materials Modelling and Laser Inspection for the 3D Lay-up of Dry Fiber Composite Preforms

Abstract

Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) is playing an ever increasing role in the manufacturing of composite components in the aerospace industry. However, the high labor and tooling costs and long manufacturing lead-times involved in the manual lay-up of dry carbon fiber preforms are obstructing the wide spread use of this technology. Recent development of Non-Crimp Fabrics (NCF) and automation technology has resulted in an automated preform manufacturing process, of which folding of materials constitutes an important step. This paper presents a mathematical model for the prediction of the 3D shapes of folded NCF sheets, a laser inspection system for the dimensional measurement of ply folds, and the integration of the two techniques for on-line monitoring of an automated preform manufacturing system.