DE102017222139B4 - Process and device for the continuous feeding and real-time monitoring of a fiber composite semi-finished product - Google Patents

Abstract

Method (M) for the continuous feeding and real-time monitoring of a fiber composite semi-finished product (1) during the manufacture of a fiber composite component, with:continuous feeding (M1) of a fiber material (2) with a feeding unit (4);impregnation (M2) of the fed fiber material (2) with a matrix material (3) by an impregnation unit (5) to form the semi-finished fiber composite product (1);irradiation (M3) of the semi-finished fiber composite product (1) with X-rays (6) through an X-ray source (7), wherein the X-ray source (7) emits polychromatic X-rays with a emits a continuous energy spectrum;detecting (M4) transmitted X-rays (8) with an X-ray detector (9), the transmitted X-rays (8) emerging from the irradiated semi-finished fiber composite product (1);determining (M5) an X-ray absorption of the X-rays (6) from the detected transmission X-rays (8); characterizing (M6) a fiber composite parameter of the Fas composite semi-finished product (1) by analyzing the X-ray absorption with an analysis device (10); andcontinuous feeding (M7) of the irradiated fiber composite semi-finished product (1) with a feed head (11) for the production of the fiber composite component;wherein the determination (M5) of the X-ray absorption comprises measuring an absorption spectrum of the X-rays (6);wherein the characterizing (M6) of the fiber composite parameter is comparing the X-ray absorption with a reference absorption of a reference fiber material and/or reference fiber composite semi-finished product; andwherein the fiber material (2) has a predefined fiber distribution and the characterization (M6) of the fiber composite parameter is carried out on the basis of the predefined fiber distribution.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for the continuous feeding and real-time monitoring of a semi-finished fiber composite product during the manufacture of a fiber composite component. The present invention also relates to a fiber composite feeding device for the continuous feeding and real-time monitoring of a fiber composite semi-finished product during the manufacture of a fiber composite component.

Although it can be used in a variety of applications for producing a wide variety of fiber composite fabrics or fiber composite components, the present invention and the problems on which it is based are explained in more detail with regard to the production of aircraft structures. However, the methods and devices described can also be used in all areas of the transport industry, for example for road vehicles, for rail vehicles, for aircraft or for water vehicles, but for the production of general fiber composite components.

In modern aircraft construction, load-bearing or structural components are increasingly made of fiber composite materials such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). For example, a typical aircraft fuselage is divided in the longitudinal direction into a large number of barrel-shaped fuselage segments, which can each be made up of different structural components such as fuselage shell parts or stiffening elements such as frames, stringers or the like.

A widespread, fully automated manufacturing process for such composite components is Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) or Automated Tape Laying (ATL). Here, fiber tapes or other flat fiber materials can be impregnated with a plastic matrix. The fiber composite semi-finished product formed in this way is laid down along a predetermined path on a tool surface by a laying head, which can be guided by a robot, using pressure and temperature.

One challenge in aircraft construction is to intersperse the fiber material with matrix material as homogeneously and error-free as possible. Various quality assurance measures are used to ensure that the impregnated fiber materials meet these and other basic quality requirements. The pamphlet US 2016/0299085 A1 suggests, for example, using X-rays for the non-destructive inspection of fiber composite materials. A multimodal x-ray source with two x-ray modes, each with discrete energy, is used, the latter being correlated with one another in a complex manner.

Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of finding simple and robust solutions which enable improved real-time monitoring of a continuous production process in a practicable manner.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method having the features of patent claim 1 and by a fiber composite feeding device having the features of patent claim 7.

• wobei das Charakterisieren (M6) des Faserverbundparameters Vergleichen der Röntgenabsorption mit einer Referenzabsorption eines Referenzfasermaterials und/oder Referenzfaserverbundhalbzeugs umfasst; und
• wobei das Fasermaterial (2) eine vordefinierte Faserverteilung aufweist und das Charakterisieren (M6) des Faserverbundparameters auf Basis der vordefinierten Faserverteilung durchgeführt wird.

Accordingly, a method for the continuous feeding and real-time monitoring of a fiber composite semi-finished product is provided during the manufacture of a fiber composite component. The method comprises continuously feeding a fibrous material with a feeding unit; Impregnation of the supplied fiber material with a matrix material by an impregnation unit to form the fiber composite semi-finished product; irradiating the fiber composite semi-finished product with X-rays by an X-ray source, wherein the X-ray source emits polychromatic X-rays with a continuous energy spectrum; Detection of transmitted X-rays with an X-ray detector, the transmitted X-rays emerging from the irradiated semi-finished fiber composite product; determining an X-ray absorption of the X-ray radiation from the detected transmission X-ray radiation; Characterizing a fiber composite parameter of the fiber composite semi-finished product by analyzing the X-ray absorption with an analysis device; and continuously feeding the irradiated fiber composite semi-finished product with a feed head for the production of the fiber composite component, wherein the determination (M5) of the X-ray absorption comprises measuring an absorption spectrum of the X-rays (6);

• wherein the characterizing (M6) of the fiber composite parameter comprises comparing the X-ray absorption with a reference absorption of a reference fiber material and/or reference fiber composite semi-finished product; and
• wherein the fiber material (2) has a predefined fiber distribution and the characterization (M6) of the fiber composite parameter is carried out on the basis of the predefined fiber distribution.

Furthermore, a fiber composite feeding device is provided for the continuous feeding and real-time monitoring of a fiber composite semi-finished product during the manufacture of a fiber composite component. The fiber composite feeding device comprises a feed unit which is designed to feed fiber material continuously; an impregnation unit, which is designed to impregnate the supplied fiber material with a matrix material to form the fiber composite semi-finished product; an X-ray source which is designed to irradiate the semi-finished fiber composite product with X-rays, the X-ray source being designed to emit polychromatic X-rays with a continuous energy spectrum; an X-ray detector which is designed to detect transmission X-rays emerging from the irradiated semi-finished fiber composite product; an analysis device which is designed to determine an X-ray absorption of the X-ray radiation from the detected transmission X-ray radiation and to characterize a fiber composite parameter of the semi-finished fiber composite product by analyzing the X-ray absorption; and a feed head which is designed to continuously feed the irradiated fiber composite semi-finished product for the production of the fiber composite component; and
a radiation shield (12) surrounding the X-ray source (7) and the X-ray detector (9) and adapted to prevent X-ray radiation from exiting the fiber composite feeder (100); at least the X-ray source (7), the X-ray detector (9) and the radiation shield (12) being integrated in the feed head (11).

In contrast to the prior art, one of the ideas on which the present invention is based is to irradiate the impregnated fiber material with X-rays of a continuous spectrum during feeding and to draw conclusions about the properties of the fiber composite semi-finished product from the energy-dependent absorption of this radiation spectrum. For example, relevant information can already be obtained by simply analyzing the attenuation of the intensity of the X-ray radiation according to the Lambert-Beer law. If, for example, the fiber material is known in terms of composition and/or distribution, the matrix material content of the semi-finished fiber composite product can be inferred directly from the absorption, for example expressed in a volume fraction of the matrix material. For this purpose, the components of the X-ray measuring device according to the invention are arranged between an impregnation station and a feeding station/depositing station, so that the components can be incorporated into a conventional continuous production process without difficulty. On the one hand, it is possible to "upgrade" conventional production systems. On the other hand, the solution according to the invention provides in particular small and compact manufacturing arrangements which integrate some or all of the units according to the invention in a device, e.g. in a laying head of an AFP or ATL device, including shielding, cooling, electrical connections and cabling, X-ray optics etc. The system according to the invention can thus be used for stable real-time quality monitoring of a continuously running production plant, eg an AFP or ATL device, a filament winding machine or the like. Ultimately, this not only improves the quality of the components, for example with regard to homogeneity. In addition, costs and material are also generally saved since the manufacturing process is placed under more precise control.

The solution according to the invention is suitable for the use of a wide variety of fiber and matrix materials. For example, the fiber material can include carbon fibers, glass fibers, graphite fibers and/or aramid fibers, etc. The matrix material can be, for example, a plastic, a synthetic resin, e.g., an epoxy resin.

Fibrous material within the meaning of the invention includes any planar or bundle-like arrangement of fibers, e.g. in the form of ribbons, strips, sheets, tows, tapes, woven fabrics, mats, bundles, individual fibers, etc.

Determining the x-ray absorption also includes measuring an absorption spectrum of the x-ray radiation. A spectrum of a polychromatic X-ray radiation can thus be continuously recorded and evaluated in order to obtain information about the composition of the fiber composite component that is as comprehensive as possible quickly and pragmatically without having to use complex analysis methods. For example, certain properties of the fiber composite component can already be inferred from an energy, frequency or wavelength-dependent absorption.

The characterization of the fiber composite parameter also includes comparing the X-ray absorption with a reference absorption of a reference fiber material and/or reference fiber composite semi-finished product. With the help of the reference absorption, the system can be calibrated to a certain extent in order to be able to supply quantitative measurement results fully automatically and quickly by comparison with reference spectra, for example. For example, it can be provided that certain reference spectra of a reference fiber material and/or reference fiber composite semi-finished product are stored in a memory device of the analysis device, so that they can be called up (automatically) at any time. For example, a calibration step be provided, in which a non-impregnated fiber material is examined by means of X-rays, and from this, for example, a fiber distribution of the fiber material is obtained, for example in the form of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional map of the fiber arrangement, fiber distribution or the like. This predefined fiber distribution can in turn be stored in the analysis device and used to monitor a manufacturing process in which a corresponding fiber material is continuously supplied and impregnated. In principle, the user can record essentially any number of reference spectra and store them for later use, so that the method can be "calibrated" for monitoring certain different types of fiber materials. Alternatively or additionally, however, reference spectra of reference fiber composite semi-finished products can also be used, eg semi-finished products with known fiber and matrix material composition or generally known configuration, which have been determined using other methods and/or can have been manufactured in a controlled manner in a defined manner.

The fiber material also has a predefined fiber distribution. The characterization of the fiber composite parameter is performed based on the predefined fiber distribution. Since the fiber distribution of the impregnated fiber composite semi-finished product is already known, the X-ray absorption, e.g. a measured absorption spectrum, can be used to directly infer the proportion of matrix material, e.g. It is assumed here that the fiber material actually has the predefined fiber distribution. For example, fiber tapes, fiber bundles, fiber fabrics, fiber mats, fiber fabrics, etc. of a certain type can be used. For this purpose, the basic fiber distribution of such a fiber material can be determined once using a prototype. The continuous production and monitoring of fiber composite components with the method according to the invention can then be carried out assuming this predefined fiber distribution and thus, for example, a map of the matrix material content can be created for each semi-finished product or component. This can be used, for example, for an inspection and/or quality monitoring during the series production of fiber composite components.

Furthermore, the fiber composite feeding device further comprises a radiation shield. The radiation shield surrounds the X-ray source and the X-ray detector and is configured to prevent X-ray radiation from exiting the composite fiber feeder. For example, lead shielding may be provided around the x-ray source and x-ray detector assembly.

Furthermore, at least the x-ray radiation source, the x-ray radiation detector and the radiation shield are integrated in the feed head.

Advantageous refinements and developments result from the further dependent claims and from the description with reference to the figures. According to a development, the fiber composite parameter can include a matrix material content, a fiber defect, a fiber distribution and/or foreign body contamination. For example, in addition to a proportion of matrix material, delaminations, voids and cavities, fiber breaks and/or unwanted foreign bodies or foreign materials can also be detected.

According to a development, the fiber composite parameter can be characterized continuously along the fiber composite semi-finished product. In principle, however, depending on the application, it can also be provided to only randomly detect fiber composite parameters.

According to a development, the fiber composite parameter can be characterized in a spatially resolved manner. For example, a fiber composite semi-finished product can be mapped to a certain extent by spatially resolved distribution of the matrix material and/or the fiber material being recorded transversely and/or longitudinally along the fiber composite semi-finished product.

According to a further development, the method can also include continuous laying down of the semi-finished fiber composite product with the feed head. The feed head of the fiber composite feed device can accordingly be designed as a laying head for laying down the fiber composite semi-finished product.

According to a development, the X-ray radiation source can emit polychromatic X-ray radiation with a continuous energy spectrum between at least 1 keV and a maximum of 50 keV.

According to a development, the feed unit, the impregnation unit, the X-ray source, the X-ray detector, the radiation shield and/or the analysis device can be integrated into the feed head. In a concrete example, the X-ray radiation source, the X-ray radiation detector and a radiation shield surrounding them can be integrated into a feed head, in particular a laying head, eg a robot head of an AFP or ATL device. An analyzer can either be embedded directly in the laying head, for example in the form of an integrated circuit, a microchip or the like. Alternatively or additionally, the laying head can be coupled to an external analysis device, eg a computer or the like, eg via a wireless connection and/or via a data cable. In another specific example, an impregnation unit and a feed unit can also be integrated into the laying head.

According to a development, the X-ray detector can be designed as a photodetector. According to a development, the X-ray radiation detector can be designed in particular as a photon counter. The X-ray source can be, for example, a beryllium source or the like.

According to a further development, the x-ray radiation source can irradiate a feeding width of the semi-finished fiber composite product between 1 mm and 50 mm, in particular between 5 mm and 25 mm.

The above configurations and developments can be combined with one another as desired, insofar as this makes sense. Further possible refinements, developments and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention described above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments that are not explicitly mentioned. In particular, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention.

• 1 schematische perspektivische Schnittansicht einer Faserverbund-Zuführvorrichtung zur kontinuierlichen Zuführung und Echtzeitüberwachung eines Faserverbundhalbzeugs während der Fertigung eines Faserverbundbauteils gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung; und
• 2 schematisches Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens zur kontinuierlichen Zuführung und Echtzeitüberwachung mit der Faserverbund-Zuführvorrichtung aus 1.

The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments given in the schematic figures. They show:

• 1 schematic perspective sectional view of a fiber composite feeding device for the continuous feeding and real-time monitoring of a fiber composite semi-finished product during the manufacture of a fiber composite component according to an embodiment of the invention; and
• 2 schematic flowchart of a method for continuous feeding and real-time monitoring with the fiber composite feeding device 1 .

The accompanying figures are intended to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the foregoing advantages will become apparent by reference to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale with respect to one another.

In the figures of the drawing, elements, features and components that are the same, have the same function and have the same effect--unless stated otherwise--are each provided with the same reference symbols.

1 shows a schematic perspective sectional view of a fiber composite feed device 100 for continuous feeding and real-time monitoring of a fiber composite semi-finished product 1 during the manufacture of a fiber composite component according to an embodiment of the invention. 2 FIG. 12 shows a schematic flowchart of a method M for continuous feeding and real-time monitoring with the fiber composite feeding device 100. FIG 1 .

The fiber composite component to be manufactured can be, for example, a component made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), which has carbon fibers in an epoxy matrix. In particular, this can be a component for use in aircraft or spacecraft, such as a structural component (stringer, frame, fuselage segment, skin panel section or the like) or a cabin equipment element, etc. Such components can generally be manufactured by using a fiber material with a Matrix material is impregnated, whereby a fiber composite semi-finished product is formed, which is then subjected to further manufacturing steps before it is cured under the application of pressure and temperature to form a final fiber composite component. For example, the (flat and/or strip-shaped) fiber composite semi-finished product can first be brought into a specific three-dimensional shape with the aid of a mold before it is cured in this shape.

The fiber composite feeder 100 in 1 is used for the continuous feeding and real-time monitoring of the fiber composite semi-finished product 1 during the manufacture of a fiber composite component (not shown) in such or a similar manufacturing process. For this purpose, the fiber composite feeding device 100 includes a feeding unit 4 which is designed to feed fiber material 2 continuously. The fiber material 2 can be provided, for example, in the form of fiber composite tapes from corresponding supply spindles via rollers. Such a fiber composite band can, for example, comprise fiber composite tows with a placement width of several millimeters to centimeters.

The fiber composite feeding device 100 also includes an impregnation unit 5 which is designed to impregnate the fed fiber material 2 with a matrix material 3 and thereby to form the fiber composite semi-finished product 1 . For this purpose, the impregnation unit 5 can inject epoxy resin in a free-flowing state into the fiber composite strip.

The fiber composite feed device 100 also includes an X-ray source 7 which is designed to irradiate the semi-finished fiber composite product 1 with X-rays 6 . The X-ray source 7 is a beryllium source, which is designed to emit polychromatic X-rays with a continuous energy spectrum between at least 1 keV and a maximum of 50 keV, e.g. between 30 keV and 35 keV. The X-ray source 7 can irradiate a feeding width of the semi-finished fiber composite product 1 between 5 mm and 25 mm.

The fiber composite feed device 100 also includes an X-ray detector 9 which is designed as a photon counter to detect transmission X-rays 8 emerging from the irradiated semi-finished fiber composite product 1 . The fiber composite feeding device 100 further comprises a radiation shield 12 made of lead plates, which surrounds the X-ray radiation source 7 and the X-ray radiation detector 9 and is designed to prevent X-ray radiation from exiting the fiber composite feeding device 100 .

The fiber composite feed device 100 also includes an analysis device 10 which is designed to determine an X-ray absorption of the X-ray radiation 6 from the detected transmission X-ray radiation 8 and to characterize a fiber composite parameter of the fiber composite semi-finished product 1 by analyzing the X-ray absorption. For this purpose, the analysis device 10 is coupled to the X-ray detector via a data line.

The fiber composite feed device 100 also includes a feed head 11, which is designed to continuously feed the irradiated fiber composite semi-finished product 1 for the production of the fiber composite component. In this exemplary specific embodiment, the feed head 11 is designed as a laying head of a fiber winding machine for laying down the semi-finished fiber composite product 1 on a mold 13 . In this example, the mold 13 is ring-shaped as a rotating cylinder (“mandrel”), with the fiber composite semi-finished product 1 being continuously wound around the mold 13 to form a curved fiber composite component. The wound fiber composite semi-finished product is then cured by applying pressure and temperature, e.g. in an autoclave.

The arrangement of the individual components of the fiber composite feed device 100 is shown in 1 to be understood purely schematically and is not intended to represent a concrete specific spatial arrangement within the device. In particular, it can be provided that some or all of the components are integrated into the feed head 11 . For example, the feed head 11 can be a robot head or the like, in which in particular the x-ray radiation source 7, the x-ray radiation detector 9 and the radiation shield 12 can be integrated. Likewise, the analysis device 10 can be integrated into the feed head 11 and/or connected to it via a data line. Such a delivery or laying head 11, including the cooling system, collimator, shielding and cabling, can be designed to be very small and lightweight, for example weighing less than 10 kg.

Under M1, the method M includes corresponding continuous feeding of the fiber material 2 with the feed unit 4. Under M2, the method M also includes impregnating the fed fiber material 2 with the matrix material 3 by the impregnating unit 5 to form the semi-finished fiber composite product 1. The method M also includes under M3 Irradiation M3 of the fiber composite semi-finished product 1 with X-rays 6 by the X-ray source 7. The method M also includes under M4 detecting the transmission X-rays 8 with the X-ray detector 9. The method M also includes under M5 determining the X-ray absorption of the X-rays 6 from the detected transmission X-rays 8. Here, for example, an absorption spectrum of the X-ray radiation 6 can be measured. Under M6, the method M also includes characterizing the fiber composite parameter of the fiber composite semi-finished product 1 by analyzing the X-ray absorption with the analysis device 10. Here, the X-ray absorption, i.e. e.g. an absorption spectrum, is compared with a reference absorption of a reference fiber material and/or reference fiber composite semi-finished product. The procedure compared. Under M7, the method M also includes continuous feeding of the irradiated semi-finished fiber composite product 1 with the feed head 11 for the production of the fiber composite component. Under M8, method M also includes continuous laying down of the semi-finished fiber composite product 1 with the feed head 11.

wobei I₀ die Intensität der eingestrahlten Röntgenstrahlung 6, I die Intensität der Transmissions-Röntgenstrahlung 8, µ der Material-Absorptionskoeffizient, p die Materialdichte und e die Materialdicke ist. Die notwendigen Berechnungen werden hierbei von der Analyseeinrichtung übernommen.The present example is specially designed for a pragmatic, fast and robust and ultimately as simple as possible evaluation of the matrix material content of the semi-finished fiber composite product 1 . For this purpose, fiber material 2 with a predefined fiber distribution is used, which was previously evaluated once by X-ray irradiation in a calibration step using an exemplary fiber composite band, ie without injection of matrix material. For example, a spatially resolved map of the fiber distribution along the fiber composite band can be present. Assuming that this fiber distribution is fulfilled in the same way for fiber composite tapes produced in the same way, it can serve as a basis for a continuous and spatially resolved characterization of the matrix material content of the fiber composite semi-finished product 1 . For this purpose, the X-ray absorption is continuously evaluated along the semi-finished fiber composite product 1 . Since the fiber distribution is known, the volume fraction of the matrix material 3 can be deduced from the specific absorption of the X-ray radiation. The attenuation of the intensity of the X-rays can be evaluated according to the Beer-Lambert law: $$\frac{I}{I_0}=e^{-\mathrm{\mu }\ast \rho \ast e},$$

where I ₀ is the intensity of the irradiated X-rays 6, I is the intensity of the transmitted X-rays 8, μ is the material absorption coefficient, p is the material density and e is the material thickness. The necessary calculations are taken over by the analysis device.

In this embodiment, the fiber composite feeding device 100 can be made compact, light and portable, real-time quality monitoring of the production of a fiber composite component being provided, which can be adapted to the respective manufacturing method used.

In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features have been grouped together in one or more examples to improve the rigor of presentation. However, it should be understood that the above description is merely illustrative and in no way restrictive. It is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents of the various features and embodiments. Many other examples will be immediately and immediately apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the above description.

For example, the device according to the invention and the method according to the invention can also be used in fiber composite production processes in which the filing of a fiber composite semi-finished product first takes place in a planar, planar arrangement and the fiber composite semi-finished product is only brought into a desired profile shape in a second step using a mold core before it eventually hardened.

The device according to the invention can be designed, for example, as part of an AFP or ATL device, which is used for flat and/or curved placement of a semi-finished fiber composite product.

The exemplary embodiments were selected and described in order to be able to present the principles on which the invention is based and its possible applications in practice in the best possible way. This enables those skilled in the art to optimally modify and use the invention and its various exemplary embodiments in relation to the intended application. In the claims and the description, the terms “including” and “having” are used as neutral terms for the corresponding terms “comprising”. Furthermore, the use of the terms “a”, “an” and “an” should not fundamentally exclude a plurality of features and components described in this way.

Reference List

1

fiber composite semi-finished product

2

fiber material

3

matrix material

4

feeding unit

5

impregnation unit

6

X-ray radiation

7

X-ray source

8th

Transmission X-rays

9

X-ray detector

10

analysis device

11

feeding head

12

radiation shielding

13

molding tool

100

Fiber composite feeding device

M

procedure

M1

process step

M2

process step

M3

process step

M4

process step

M5

process step

M6

process step

M7

process step

M8

process step

Claims (10)

Method (M) for the continuous feeding and real-time monitoring of a fiber composite semi-finished product (1) during the manufacture of a fiber composite component, with: continuous feeding (M1) of a fiber material (2) with a feeding unit (4); Impregnation (M2) of the supplied fiber material (2) with a matrix material (3) by an impregnation unit (5) to form the fiber composite semi-finished product (1); Irradiation (M3) of the fiber composite semi-finished product (1) with X-rays (6) by an X-ray source (7), wherein the X-ray source (7) emits polychromatic X-rays with a continuous energy spectrum; Detection (M4) of transmitted X-rays (8) with an X-ray detector (9), the transmitted X-rays (8) emerging from the irradiated semi-finished fiber composite product (1); Determining (M5) an X-ray absorption of the X-ray radiation (6) from the detected transmission X-ray radiation (8); Characterizing (M6) a fiber composite parameter of the fiber composite semi-finished product (1) by analyzing the X-ray absorption with an analysis device (10); and continuous feeding (M7) of the irradiated fiber composite semi-finished product (1) with a feed head (11) for the production of the fiber composite component; wherein the determination (M5) of the X-ray absorption comprises measuring an absorption spectrum of the X-ray radiation (6); wherein the characterizing (M6) of the fiber composite parameter comprises comparing the X-ray absorption with a reference absorption of a reference fiber material and/or reference fiber composite semi-finished product; and wherein the fiber material (2) has a predefined fiber distribution and the characterization (M6) of the fiber composite parameter is carried out on the basis of the predefined fiber distribution. Procedure (M) according to claim 1 , wherein the fiber composite parameter includes at least one of matrix material content, fiber defect, fiber distribution, and foreign body contamination. Procedure (M) according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the fiber composite parameter is characterized continuously along the fiber composite semi-finished product (1). Process (M) according to any one of Claims 1 until 3 , whereby the fiber composite parameter is characterized in a spatially resolved manner. Process (M) according to any one of Claims 1 until 4 , furthermore with: continuous depositing (M8) of the fiber composite semi-finished product (1) with the feed head (11). Process (M) according to any one of Claims 1 until 5 , wherein the X-ray source (7) emits polychromatic X-rays with a continuous energy spectrum between at least 1 keV and a maximum of 50 keV. Fiber composite feed device (100) for the continuous feeding and real-time monitoring of a fiber composite semi-finished product (1) during the manufacture of a fiber composite component, with: a feed unit (4) which is designed to feed fiber material (2) continuously; an impregnation unit (5) which is designed to impregnate the supplied fiber material (2) with a matrix material (3) to form the fiber composite semi-finished product (1); an X-ray source (7) which is designed to irradiate the semi-finished fiber composite product (1) with X-rays (6), the X-ray source (7) being designed to emit polychromatic X-rays with a continuous energy spectrum; an X-ray detector (9) which is designed to detect transmission X-rays (8) emerging from the irradiated semi-finished fiber composite product (1); an analysis device (10) which is designed to determine an X-ray absorption of the X-ray radiation (6) from the detected transmission X-ray radiation (8) and to characterize a fiber composite parameter of the fiber composite semi-finished product (1) by analyzing the X-ray absorption; a feed head (11) which is designed to continuously feed the irradiated semi-finished fiber composite product (1) for the production of the fiber composite component; and a radiation shield (12) which surrounds the X-ray radiation source (7) and the X-ray radiation detector (9) and is designed for this purpose, preventing x-ray radiation from exiting the composite fiber delivery device (100); at least the X-ray source (7), the X-ray detector (9) and the radiation shield (12) being integrated in the feed head (11). Fiber composite feeding device (100) after claim 7 , wherein the feed head (11) is designed as a laying head for laying down the fiber composite semi-finished product (1). Fiber composite feeding device (100) after claim 7 or 8th , where the X-ray radiation de detector (9) is designed as a photodetector, in particular a photon counter. Fiber composite feeding device (100) according to one of Claims 7 until 9 , wherein the X-ray source (7) is designed to emit polychromatic X-rays with a continuous energy spectrum between at least 1 keV and a maximum of 50 keV.

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