Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for gauging the amount of warpage in a composite panel. In the gauging operation, elongate spacer strips (18) of uniform thickness are placed on the layup surface (14) of a mold (12) to support a panel (10) spaced apart from the mold layup surface (14) by a gap (22) of dimension equal to the thickness of the spacer strips (18). A sensor wand (26) that includes a strain gauge sensor assembly (32) is inserted in the gap (22) to detect and measure gap variations. Instrumentation (66,68) is utilized to operate strain gauges (52) that are included in the strain gauge sensor assembly (32) as a conventional bridge circuit. Measurement error caused by twisting and tilting of sensor wand (26) is minimized by smoothly contoured contact protrusions (54) of the strain gauge sensor assembly (32) that bear against panel surface (16) and layup surface (14).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for gauging the amount of warpage in a composite panel is disclosed. The apparatus is used to measure the gaps between a cured composite panel (12) and the mold (10) upon which the panel was formed. The gaps are indicative of warpage in the panel. The apparatus includes inelastically deformable gauging strips (20) that are placed at selected locations on the mold. Also included is a mechanism (22,42,44) for accuraely positioning the panel adjacent to the mold after the strips are in place so that the panel contacts and partially crushes the strips. After the panel is removed, the thickness of each crushed gauging strip is measured at numerous points along its length. Variations in the thickness of the strip indicate the presence of gaps between the mold and panel, hence warpage in the panel.

Abstract: A U-shaped checking fixture has the legs of a "U" extending vertically upward. A series of measuring probes extend horizontally and laterally inward a measured amount from one of the legs and the ends of the probe define a contour of the skin to be checked. A skin is suspended essentially vertically alongside the measuring probes, another set of matching probes on the other leg of the U-shaped fixture force the skin against the measuring probes and any out of tolerance part of the skin is recorded.

Abstract: An anvil in conjunction with an electromechanical probe measures across a tube while a second anvil and electromechanical probe measure across the tube at right angles to the first anvil and probe. Signals from each of the probes are summed and displayed to show the ovality of the tubing. The anvils and probes are mounted to a head that is rotated open to permit placement over tubing and resiliently rotated closed to bring the probes in contact with the tubing.