TY - JOUR A1 - Fengler, Petra A1 - Stark, Wolfgang A1 - Döring, Joachim A1 - Mc Hugh, Jarlath T1 - Coupling of hidden ultrasound sensors to a moulding tool N2 - Ultrasound on-line NDT methods have been demonstrated as a useful tool for monitoring the curing reaction of thermosets. In order to achieve this ultrasound sensors are incorporated into compression, injection and RTM (resin transfer) mould. For many commercial products imprints or any surface markings upon the moulded product are undesirable. Due to its physical properties ultrasound has a large advantage over other techniques for similar applications. The sound wave can pass through the wall of the mould and direct contact with the moulded part is not required. In this particular case one fundamental problem is a good coupling of the sensors to the mould wall. Several mediums came into question but because of the high technical (e. g. temperature and long time stability) and practical demands, it was decided that dry (non-fluid) coupling would be the most promising candidate. A handful of coupling foils suitable also at high temperatures and for long time application under industrial conditions were tested and are presented in this paper. KW - Sensors KW - Ultrasound KW - Mould wall coupling KW - Thermoset manufacturing PY - 2004 UR - http://www.ndt.net/article/v09n03/stark/stark.htm SN - 1435-4934 VL - 9 IS - 3 SP - 1 EP - 10 PB - NDT.net CY - Kirchwald AN - OPUS4-3316 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER -