Composite rods with embedded optical fibre - Modeling and evaluation

Abstract

An experimental facility for composite rod manufacturing by vacuum molding technique with embedded optical fibres has been designed and built. A mathematical model for composite rods, with embedded optical fibres, formation process is presented. Numerical solution of the model is given and compared to the experimental results. A good agreement with the experimental values is observed. Kinetics of curing reaction and heat transfer during the processing of fibre reinforced epoxy resins were considered. The finite difference method was utilized to solve the mathematical equations. The use of embedded optical fibre to detect damage in glass reinforced polymer (GRP) composite rod is described by a simple signal attenuation measurement system.