This research will develop a sensor compatible with the hostile environment of high temperature, pressure and abrasion inside a pultrusion die that will allow the state of the matrix material to be continuously monitored. This capability does not currently exist. Data from the sensor could be used by a smart control system to maintain product quality. The approach will be to combine commercially available sensor electronics developed by Micromet Instruments for monitoring composite cure in less hostile environments with a castable ceramic substrate. The research will lead to the development of methods for transferring the conductive elements of the sensor to the surface of a mold, establish techniques for casting a protective ceramic backing, and test prototypes under controlled conditions.
