Abstract: The resin content of an organic resin-matrix composite material is measured nondestructively by nuclear magnetic resonance. A specimen of the composite material is placed into a constant magnetic field and subjected to a radio-frequency magnetic field pulse. The response of the material is indicative of the amount of organic resin that is present. The response may be used as a feedback signal to control the operation of a manufacturing machine.

Abstract: The cure state of a mass of a curable material, such as a composite material formed of a fiber embedded in a curable polymeric matrix, is measured. At least two wire segments are embedded into the mass, and an ultrasonic signal is propagated through the wire segments. From the ultrasonic propagation characteristics, the cure state of the mass is determined.

Abstract: A material having fibers in a curable matrix is applied as a reinforcement to a vertical column. The matrix is cured by providing a reinforcement curing apparatus including a steel cylindrical housing split lengthwise into at least two sections, and a plurality of elongated radiant heaters mounted to an interior wall of the housing and oriented to direct their heat inwardly. The curing apparatus is assembled around the perimeter of the column having the reinforcement thereon and operated to heat and cure the reinforcement.

Abstract: An apparatus for reinforcing an external surface of a stationary vertical column with a reinforcing material includes a supply of a reinforcing material and a guide that directs the reinforcing material from the supply onto the stationary vertical column. A winding device moves the guide means in a spiral pattern relative to the stationary vertical column, to wind spiral layers of the reinforcing material onto the vertical column. The winding device is provided as a multipart structure that may be assembled around the vertical column and later disassembled to permit removal from around the vertical column. In one approach, the reinforcing material is tows of a curable composite material that are wound onto the vertical column and later cured in place after the winding device is removed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer system includes a transducer coupler body made of a material that transmits ultrasonic waves therethrough and an ultrasonic transducer joined to a first portion of the transducer coupler body. A footprint face plate is joined to a second portion of the transducer coupler body. The first portion and the second portion are selected such that an ultrasonic wave can propagate therebetween through the transducer coupler body. The footprint face plate extends beyond the transducer coupler body and has a footprint contact face on one end thereof, with the width of the contact face being much smaller than its length.