Flow front tracking in SCRIMP processes by simultaneous visual and dielectric monitoring

During the manufacturing of composite components by Seeman’s Composite Resin Infusion Molding Process (SCRIMP) two different evolutions of the resin flow are observable: one flowing parallel to the laminate through only the distribution medium, and another flowing through the fibrous preform along thickness direction. The real-time monitoring of resin flow and the possibility of tracking impregnation and saturation is still an issue, despite the solutions proposed by several authors so far. In the present work, a monitoring approach based on the simultaneous analysis of data provided in real-time by dielectric sensors and image acquisition and analysis is reported. A dielectric sensor based on copper flexible tape has been used. These sensors proved to be able to detect the flow front position in comparison to the visual approach, and to distinguish the flow through the distribution medium and the one through the preform.