Method of monitoring the performance of a pressure intensifier
A method of monitoring the performance of a pressure intensifier for use in the manufacture of a composite part. The method comprises: placing an array of pressure sensors adjacent a curved region of a mould tool; compressing the pressure sensors between a pressure intensifier and the mould tool; and monitoring the distribution of pressure across the curved region of the mould tool with the array of pressure sensors.
1 . A method of monitoring the performance of a pressure intensifier for use in the manufacture of a composite part, the method comprising:
placing an array of pressure sensors adjacent a curved region of a mould tool;
compressing the pressure sensors between a pressure intensifier and the mould tool; and
monitoring the distribution of pressure across the curved region of the mould tool with the array of pressure sensors.
2 . The method of claim 1 wherein the mould tool is a male tool with a convex curved region, the pressure intensifier comprises a diaphragm having a first part which is positioned above a top of the male tool and a second part which projects to one side of the male tool; and the pressure sensors are compressed between the diaphragm and the male tool by applying a pressure difference across the diaphragm and stretching the diaphragm over the male tool as the pressure difference is applied.
3 . The method of claim 2 wherein the diaphragm is stretched over the male mould tool by bridging it over a channel next to the male tool whereby the pressure difference draws the diaphragm into the channel.
4 . The method of claim 2 wherein a top of the male tool meets a side of the male tool at a convex corner with a relatively high curvature; and the array of pressure sensors includes one or more sensors adjacent to the top of the male tool, one or more sensors adjacent to the side of the male tool, and or more sensors adjacent to the convex corner of the male tool.
5 . The method of claim 1 where the mould tool is a female tool with a concave curved region.
6 . A method of moulding a charge during the manufacture of a composite part, the method comprising:
placing the charge and a diaphragm on a male tool, the charge having a first part which is positioned above a top of the male tool and a second part which projects to one side of the male tool;
placing an array of pressure sensors between the diaphragm and the male tool;
progressively deforming the second part of the charge against a side of the male tool by applying a pressure difference across the diaphragm and stretching the diaphragm over the male tool as the pressure difference is applied; and
monitoring the distribution of pressure across the mould tool with the array of pressure sensors.
7 . The method of claim 6 wherein the diaphragm is stretched over the male mould tool by bridging it over a channel next to the male tool whereby the pressure difference draws the diaphragm into the channel.
8 . The method of claim 6 wherein a top of the male tool meets a side of the male tool at a convex corner with a relatively high curvature; and the array of pressure sensors includes one or more sensors adjacent to the top of the male tool, one or more sensors adjacent to the side of the male tool, and or more sensors adjacent to the convex corner of the male tool.
9 . The method of claim 1 wherein the array of pressure sensors are provided as part of a flexible mat.
10 . Apparatus for monitoring the performance of a pressure intensifier for use in the manufacture of a composite part, the apparatus comprising:
a mould tool;
an array of pressure sensors adjacent a curved region of the mould tool; and
a pressure intensifier positioned to compress the pressure sensors against the curved region of the mould tool.