Built-in Sensor Network for Structural Health Monitoring of Composite Structure

• Published in: Journal of intelligent material systems and structures 2007-01, Vol.18 (1), p.39-49
• Main Authors: Qing, Xinlin P., Beard, Shawn J., Kumar, Amrita, Ooi, Teng K., Chang, Fu-Kuo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Composites; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); General equipment and techniques; Instruments, apparatus, components and techniques common to several branches of physics and astronomy; Measurement and testing methods; Physics; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Servo and control equipment; robots; Solid mechanics; Structural and continuum mechanics; Technology of polymers
• ISSN: 1045-389X; 1530-8138
• DOI: 10.1177/1045389X06064353

By implementing a built-in sensor network on a composite structure, crucial information regarding the condition, damage state, and service environment of the structure can be obtained. In this study, methods for integrating piezoelectric sensor networks into a composite structure during different fabrication processes, including the resin transfer molding (RTM) and filament winding processes, are examined. To integrate sensor networks with different contours of structures, the method to fabricate a three-dimensional (3-D) diagnostic layer is developed. It is demonstrated that a large number of sensors supported on a thin flexible dielectric film, called a SMART Layer, offers a simple and efficient way to integrate a large sensor network onto a complex 3-D structure. The sensor network permanently embedded inside the composite structures can be used with either active sensing or passive sensing to monitor the health condition of a structure throughout its lifetime.