Complementary Sensor Suite for Liquid Resin Molded Composite Structural Armor

In this effort, Foster-Miller proposes to perform a laboratory investigation aimed at demonstrating a multi-sensor system for use in monitoring processing and health of a liquid resin molded composite structural armor. A set of complementary technologies has been selected for use on the program that provide five key benefits including (1) multifunctionality; (2) quantitation; (3) non-invasiveness in terms of damaging properties; (4) compatibility with manufacturing; and (5) flexibility. The program includes design of a demonstration component panel that contains multiple and complementary sensor systems having multiple uses in both process monitoring and health monitoring; fabrication of the panel and monitoring of key physical chemical parameters during fabrication; health monitor via several approaches; comparison of the data obtained; and preparation of recommendations for a follow-on effort in which the complementary sensor system can be applied to a full-scale composite component typical of ground vehicle applications. The use of a system of complementary sensors, each having capabilities for performing a monitoring function either during process or in-service, provides the potential for a system with tremendous innate versatility and robustness, since loss of one portion of the system does not eliminate the capability of obtaining essential data. Such a system would be applicable to a host of large-scale composite applications. In addition to potential use ground combat vehicles, the system has application to Naval minesweeper hulls, composite shelters, and other high value-added components.