Fibre spreading and impregnation monitoring

Nieves Bogonez, Francisco Daniel (2014). Fibre spreading and impregnation monitoring. University of Birmingham. M.Res.

Preview

NievesBogonez14MRes.pdf
PDF - Accepted Version
Download (5MB)

Abstract

A novel methodology based on the use of low cost CMOS-cameras and pigmented photo-curable resin has been developed and successfully evaluated under laboratory conditions for measuring quantitatively through-thickness impregnation of as-received and spread E-glass fibres. Test results showed that as-received PPG fibres exhibit higher impregnation rates when compared with as-received Owens Corning fibres. Further tests on spread PPG fibres clearly revealed that the spreading process of the fibres results in a dramatic increase of permeability and thus significantly faster impregnation rates.
An innovative monitoring technique also based on the use of CMOS-cameras was investigated in parallel for evaluating variations in the thickness and tension of glass fibre creels during unwinding. In order to enable the assessment of the novel monitoring technique a special test rig was constructed and instrumented with two load cells and the two CMOS-cameras. Tests were carried out using either centre-pull or external-draw unwinding methods. Results have demonstrated that the centre-pull technique creates more variations on the tow geometry giving a higher variability in thickness in comparison to external-draw unwinding. Furthermore, it was seen that the tow thickness in PPG fibres decreased as the diameter of the creel increased.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Res.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Res.

Supervisor(s):