In this project, Environetix Technologies Corporation will demonstrate the feasibility of using an array of wireless, passive, Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) temperature sensors and an accompanying radio-frequency (RF) interrogator system to accurately and reliably monitor cure/bond temperatures during processing of composite structures at distances > 6 inches, within constraints dictated by vacuum bagging and autoclave equipment. Environetixs SAW sensors that are < few mm2 in size and < 0.5 mm in thickness are sensitive to temperature variations within micrometers, weigh < few grams, and are comprised of piezoelectric crystals and stable nanostructured thin film electrodes. Environetixs wireless SAW temperature sensor technology has many advantages for remote monitoring of thermal processes including (i) elimination of thermocouple wires that cause vacuum loss, (ii) long-term stable sensor performance with accuracy within9F, (iii) ability to monitor localized temperatures either at the surface or embedded into dielectric components and composite structures, and (iv) potential capacity to yield sensor information related to other control parameters during curing, such as local viscosity and/or other process measurands. Once developed, Environetixs composite curing wireless sensor technology will be available for AFRL and other DoD applications, providing significant commercialization opportunities with OEMs in the composites industry sector.Wireless temperature sensors,Harsh environment sensors,microwave acoustic sensors,Surface acoustic wave devices,Composites curing/bonding,Remote monitoring of curing processes
