This is a fundamental study of nondestructive method for use in designing, optimizing, in-situ monitoring, and controlling the curing of polymer composite structures. The method to be empolyed is the mechanical impedance analysis technique which measures the dynamic mechanical properties of the composite. The research is divided into three stages of study: (1) investigate the phase transformation behavior of selected epoxy resins to establish the sensitivity and reliability of utilizing this technique for design and optimization of cure cycles, (2) apply this methodology to large composite structures, and (3) investigate the feasibility of appplying this technique for closed loop control on composite cure.
