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Carbon fibers and resin used in manufacturing carbon fiber-reinforced plastic composite structures flow before the resin solidifies, resulting in disrupted fiber orientation and non-uniform thickness. This process, known as consolidation, is critical for the quality of the composite structure, but no technology exists to measure the deformation in situ. This study proposes a strip-type embeddable shape sensor based on fiber optics for in situ monitoring of consolidation deformation. The sensor consists of a thin, flexible sheet with optical fibers embedded in the upper and lower surfaces of the sheet, and it can monitor out-of-plane bending deformation in composite materials during consolidation. Finite element analysis and experiments are used to evaluate the basic performance of the shape sensor before it is applied to composite gap/lap monitoring. For the first time, the relaxation of consolidation deformation due to the flow of fiber-resin suspension is measured. The proposed sensor will be a powerful tool for elucidating consolidation mechanisms and for validating composite manufacturing simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For on-site analysis of surface materials on the Moon, planets, and small bodies and for the monitoring of air quality in crewed spacecraft, we have developed a portable gas chromatograph (GC) equipped with a ball surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor. In this study, we fabricated a 10 cm cube GC that implements the forward flush method using two metal micro-electro-mechanical-system columns coated with different stationary phases in microchannels fabricated by wet etching and diffusion bonding of stainless-steel plates. Using this GC, we succeeded in analyzing 10 kinds of gas within 10 min. In addition, for the application of the ball SAW GC on the ground, we also developed a palm-sized GC with a single metal capillary column and used it in the analysis of the headspace gas of sake. We showed that the ratio of peak areas differed among odorants depending on the brand and brewing process of sake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We assessed the effect of rebamipide ophthalmic solution on corneal epithelial injury due to benzalkonium chloride (BAK) by fluorescein (FL) staining and corneal resistance (CR). Methods: After determining the absence of corneal epithelial damage by FL and CR, rebamipide ophthalmic solution (50 μL) was instilled five times, each interspaced by 5 min, into one eye of mature New Zealand white rabbits, and likewise physiological saline was instilled into the contralateral eye as the control. After 30 min, eyes were similarly treated with one of the following solutions: BAK solution 0.02%, latanoprost ophthalmic solution (0.02% BAK), or latanoprost ophthalmic solution without BAK. The presence of corneal epithelial damage was quantitated at 10, 30, and 60 min by CR after the last instillation. FL staining was also performed at 60 min after the last instillation. Results: CR ratios (%) at 60 min after the last instillation in rebamipide/BAK and rebamipide/latanoprost (0.02% BAK) groups were significantly increased by 18.3% and 25.6% compared with saline/BAK and saline/latanoprost (0.02% BAK) groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Findings by FL staining were consistent with those by CR; BAK and latanoprost with BAK groups were positive, and eyes with the most severe area and density of corneal epithelial damage (A2D2) were in the saline/BAK group. Conclusion: The rebamipide ophthalmic solution reduces the severity of corneal epithelial injury caused by BAK, an ophthalmic solution preservative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dimpling in the composite face sheets of honeycomb sandwich structures due to mismatch in the thermal expansion coefficients of the constituent materials was studied with emphasis on its monitoring and prediction. Strain distributions along optical fibers embedded in the face sheet were monitored during manufacturing. Dimple formation and in-plane strain distributions in the face sheets were studied using finite element analysis, and an analytical model based on the beam theory was constructed to predict the dimple depths from the strain data. A system using twin optical fiber sensors was proposed to accurately measure the dimpling-induced strains. The usability and performance of the system was evaluated using small scale specimens and finally on a more realistic large-scale specimen. The system could measure the strain changes due to dimpling of the face sheets and provided decent prediction of the dimple depth distribution along the sandwich panels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moisture absorption and desorption by a matrix resin, and the resulting deformation, exert a critical adverse effect on the shape stability of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) space structures. This study evaluates the effect of the moisture content of prepreg sheets on the life-cycle behavior of the prepreg-based CFRP. After evaluating the moisture absorption and desorption characteristics of the prepreg sheets, the cure-induced strain and moisture absorption and desorption deformations were measured, employing embedded optical fiber sensors. Furthermore, to investigate the relationship between the moisture absorption and desorption behaviors and the chemical structure of the matrix resin, its structure was analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Since absorption and desorption are dependent on the matrix resin, two types of resins were evaluated: epoxy resin and a low moisture absorption cyanate resin. Finally, recommendations for the manufacture and operation of CFRP space structures are offered, with respect to maintaining their long-term shape stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We sought to evaluate the effect of antiglaucoma ophthalmic solutions on the cornea with a corneal resistance device (CRD), and to compare the results with those by fluorescein staining. Methods: In 6 rabbit groups (n = 7 each), right eyes were administered latanoprost ophthalmic solution containing 0.02% benzalkonium chloride (BAK); dorzolamide/timolol (1%/0.5%) containing 0.005% BAK; dorzolamide/timolol without BAK; dorzolamide/timolol+latanoprost with 0.02% BAK; 0.005% BAK; or 0.02% BAK to the conjunctival sac 3 × at 15-min intervals. Left (control) eyes were administered saline. Baseline and post-treatment corneal resistance (CR) were measured. The CR ratio = CR before versus after treatment. We evaluated superficial punctate keratitis by fluorescein staining using area and density (AD) grades. Results: In the dorzolamide/timolol-without BAK group, there were no significant difference in the CR ratio between the control and treatment eyes at any time point. In the 0.005%-BAK group at 30 min and the other 4 groups at all time points, the CR ratio differed significantly between the control and treatment eyes (P < 0.05). AD grades were 0 in all control eyes and the dorzolamide/timolol-without BAK and 0.005% BAK treatment eyes. Conclusions: Nonpreservative ophthalmic solutions (and those with low BAK concentrations) do not significantly affect corneal electrical resistance. Eye drop ingredients other than BAK may be involved in altering corneal electrical resistance. CRDs may detect corneal epithelium changes not revealed by fluorescein staining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-healing composites using microvascular channel networks have been intensively studied. Microvascular networks in composite in-plane directions are normally utilized to deliver healing agents to damaged areas. However, this channel configuration is not optimal to form robust networks and to infuse large damaged areas. This study proposes a self-healing system using multiple short microvascular channels in the through-thickness direction. First, the advantage of using this channel configuration was confirmed through delamination filling tests. Next, the feasibility of this channel configuration was evaluated by tensile tests and four-point bending tests. Double cantilever beam tests were then conducted to confirm its healing function. Finally, this system was applied to composite stiffened panels and the healing performance was evaluated using compression testing following panel indentation. The healing system almost fully recovered the original strength, confirming its high potential under practical conditions. Additionally, the weight reduction potential of the self-healing system was discussed through a strength comparison of specimens with different thicknesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The measurement of trace moisture is important in industry to maintain the quality and yield of products, such as semiconductors, lithium-ion batteries, and organic electroluminescence devices. In the field, on-site calibration of a trace moisture analyzer is required to maintain its reliability. Given these circumstances, we previously developed a ball surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor using SAW on spherical piezoelectric elements and reported its quick response as its advantage over other trace moisture analyzers. However, the ultimately short response time of less than 1 s has not been verified, and it has not yet been calibrated on-site. In this study, we developed a system for the injection of saturated water vapor to evaluate the quick response of a trace moisture analyzer, and we verified the quick response time of as short as 0.64 s. It is the shortest response time reported so far. In addition, to realize its on-site calibration, we developed a dynamic calibration method, which takes only 10 min, by the injection of saturated water vapor, in contrast to the presently available static calibration method that takes 10 h. Since this system consists of simple components, it can be downsized. Moreover, because it uses a small amount of saturated water vapor as the calibration gas, it is easy to prepare calibration gases in the field and may be applied to on-site calibration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L-shaped composites are fundamental parts of complex-shaped structures, and it is well-known that shape distortion (i.e., spring-in deformation) arises after curing due to the orthotropic nature of composites. This residual deformation increases the manufacturing costs, attracting significant attention to the mechanisms of spring-in deformation. Meanwhile recent aerospace-grade composites include inter-laminar toughened layers composed of thermosetting resin and thermoplastic particles to enhance the inter-laminar fracture toughness and to improve the impact resistance. Even though the inter-laminar resin layers can affect the process-induced strain and deformation, their effects have not yet been studied in detail. Therefore, this current study performed fiber-optic-based internal strain measurement and evaluated the residual deformation of L-shaped parts with inter-laminar resin layers. Through-thickness cure shrinkage strain at the corner part was relaxed and the spring-in angle decreased by holding the parts at the cure temperature, indicating that viscoelasticity of the thermoplastic particles is important. Viscoelastic finite element analysis supported this finding and indicated that the effect of inter-laminar toughened layers on the residual deformation should be considered to optimize curing processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In thick thermoplastic composite laminates, nonuniform temperature distribution arises in the through-thickness direction during high-rate manufacturing processes. This causes the so-called thermal skin-core effect. The surface region solidified in advance constrains shrinking of the inside region, so nonuniform residual stress/strain distribution arises in the through-thickness direction. This study quantitatively clarified this mechanism and identified the amount of residual stress/strain by utilizing fiber optic–based internal strain measurement and process simulation. First, in-plane transverse strain of thin carbon fiber/polyphenylenesulfide laminates was measured using fiber Bragg grating sensors to determine two key parameters for stress/strain simulation; thermal/crystalline shrinkage strain and composite stiffness. Abaqus-based simulation using these properties was then performed to calculate stress/strain distribution in thick laminates. The simulated strain agreed well with the measured value and it was confirmed that the residual stress developed in a relatively low temperature range. In addition, transverse three-point bending tests were conducted to validate the amount of residual stress calculated by the simulation. The bending strength increased by the thermal skin-core effect and the amount of strength increase coincided with the simulation, confirming the validity of the simulation. Extension of the proposed approach to the evaluation of the morphological skin-core effect is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method is described for background gas (BG) analysis in surface acoustic wave (SAW) gas sensors using two frequencies. The gas parameter G is defined as the square root of molecular weight times the ratio of specific heat at constant pressure to specific heat at constant volume, which is a representative property of BGs. In an experiment using varying BGs, the measured G values agreed with the true values. The concentrations of mixed BGs were successfully measured. This method will be useful in a trace moisture analyzer in natural gases and in the optimization of the purge process of glove boxes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the influence of macroscale skin-core residual stress and cooling rate on the impact response of aerospace grade carbon fibre/polyphenylenesulphide (CF/PPS). Numerical simulations are developed which analyse the thermal shrinkage and residual stress development of unidirectional (UD) lay-up configurations. Macroscale skin-core residual stresses are then incorporated into low-velocity impact simulations based on an orthotropic elastic material model. Interlaminar delamination is modelled using a bilinear cohesive traction–separation law, and intralaminar failure is modelled using the Chang–Chang strength-based failure criterion. The simulation results are compared with the results of drop tower impact tests showing qualitative agreement in terms of maximum impact force and delamination. The results of this work highlight the importance of cooling rate on the interlaminar delamination and intralaminar failure of CF/PPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The measurement and control of trace moisture, where the water concentration is lower than 1 ppmv [−76.2 °C for the frost point (°CFP)], are essential for improving the yield rate of semiconductor devices and for ensuring their reliability. A ball surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor with a sol-gel silica coating exhibited useful characteristics for a trace moisture analyzer (TMA) when the temperature drift of the delay time output was precisely compensated using two-frequency measurement (TFM), where the temperature-compensated relative delay time change (RDTC) was obtained by subtracting the RDTC at the fundamental frequency from that at the third harmonic frequency on an identical propagation path. However, the cost of the measurement circuit was a problem. In this study, a burst waveform undersampling (BUS) circuit based on the theory of undersampling measurement was developed as a practical means. The BUS circuit was useful for precise temperature compensation of the RDTC, and the ball SAW TMA was prototyped by calibrating the RDTC using a TMA based on cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS), which is the most reliable method for trace moisture measurement. The ball SAW TMA outputted a similar concentration to that obtained by the CRDS TMA, and its response time at a set concentration in N2 with a flow rate of 1 l/min was about half that of the CRDS TMA, suggesting that moisture of −80 °CFP was measured within only 1 min. The detection limit at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3 was estimated to be 0.05 ppbv, comparable with that of the CRDS TMA. From these results, it was demonstrated that a practical ball SAW TMA can be realized using the developed BUS circuit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the influence of cooling rate on the residual strain of the carbon fibre/polyphenylenesulfide unidirectional laminates. Three different cooling rates (−300℃/min, −100℃/min and −10℃/min) were applied to simulate a wide range of cooling conditions. The crystallisation behaviour which depends on the cooling rate was evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry. A process monitoring test was then conducted using embedded fibre Bragg grating sensors. In-plane transverse strain of carbon fibre/polyphenylenesulfide unidirectional laminates was measured and the results were presented based on the crystallisation behaviour determined by differential scanning calorimetry. Furthermore, residual strain change after subsequent annealing was examined. This study successfully demonstrates the effectiveness of in situ process monitoring using fibre Bragg grating sensors for evaluating material behaviour of thermoplastic composites during rapid heating and cooling under realistic processing conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vacuum-bag-only curing is an attractive out-of-autoclave method as an alternative to conventional autoclave curing. Previous extensive researches provided great insight into void formation during the vacuum-bag-only method and these findings are reflected in current vacuum-bag-only cure cycles to minimize void content. Cure process can be further improved by taking into consideration cure-induced residual stress/strain. The present paper proposed a residual stress/strain reduction method and evaluated its effectiveness using a commercially available vacuum-bag-only material by fiber-optic-based in-situ strain monitoring and tensile tests. First, cure process monitoring and tensile tests were conducted for the manufacturer’s recommended cure cycle. Cure process monitoring showed that the material vitrifies during post-cure temperature dwell. Furthermore, the tensile test revealed that the vacuum-bag-only material has lower strength than conventional autoclave materials, suggesting the importance of the effect of cure-induced residual stress/strain. Then, two cure cycles were proposed based on the findings from the manufacturer’s recommended cure cycle tests and a cure kinetics model. In the proposed cycles, resin vitrifies at a lower temperature than the manufacturer’s recommended cure cycle, leading to reduced residual stress/strain. Cure process monitoring and tensile test results for the new cycles showed that the residual strain was reduced by 12–18%, and the strength was increased by 26% in the best case. Moreover, void content was not significantly affected by changing the cure cycle. Although vacuum-bag-only material was used in this research, the proposed concept can be widely applied for autoclave cures and other types of vacuum-bag-only processes with slight modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indentation loading or low-velocity impacts on foam core sandwich structures can leave only barely visible damage on the face sheets while causing notable damage in the core due to the thin face sheets and relatively weak core. In practical applications, the measurement and damage detection can also be notably affected by environmental conditions and relaxation of the foam core. To detect the damages, a Rayleigh-scattering-based fiber optic strain monitoring system with high spatial resolution was applied to foam core sandwich structures. Damage detection ability of the system was therefore tested by indentation tests on sandwich beam and panel specimens while also considering the aforementioned effects. Finite element analysis verified by the measurements was used to provide a method to estimate the damaged core area from the measured strain data. Finally, the monitoring ability of the system was demonstrated by low-velocity impact tests on a large scale sandwich panel. The used system provided detailed strain data during and after indentation and impact tests. Due to the high resolution of the system, the damage location and size could be estimated from the obtained strain data even when barely visible dent remained on the face sheet, thus demonstrating the damage detection ability even at various environmental conditions and after relaxation of the foam core. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foam core sandwich structures are rather vulnerable against transverse loading which can leave only barely visible damage in the structures. Environmental conditions can further affect the loading response and thus the formation of damage. To study this, uniaxial compression-tension loading tests were conducted at 30, 60 and 80℃ temperatures using polymethacrylimide (PMI) foam specimens conditioned at three distinct humidity conditions (dry, ambient and wet) before testing. Effect of the conditions on the mechanical properties and loading response of the foam was studied. Strength and stiffness of the foam degraded with increasing temperature and humidity with the combined effect of these conditions being even more severe than either one alone. Indentation tests of polymethacrylimide foam core composite sandwich beams with composite face sheets were also conducted at the same temperature and humidity conditions. The indentation response was seen to correlate with the compressive response of the foam material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal strain significantly affects stability of fiber optic gyroscope (FOG) performance. This study investigates thermal strain development in a lightweight carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) FOG under thermal vacuum condition simulating space environment. First, we measure thermal strain distribution along an optical fiber in a CFRP FOG using a Brillouin-based high-spatial resolution system. The key strain profile is clarified and the strain development is simulated using finite element analysis (FEA) to understand the mechanism of the strain development. Several materials for FOG bobbins are then quantitatively compared using experimentally validated FEA from the aspect of the thermal strain and the weight to illustrate the clear advantage of CFRP. Finally, a hybrid concept combining low thermal conductivity polyacrylonitrile-based (PAN-based) CFRP and high stiffness pitch-based CFRP is proposed to minimize the thermal strain with minimal weight. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]