Structural Health Monitoring for damage growth detection in composite structures

Purpose and goal:

The project will benchmark different sensors which have the potential of monitoring damage growth in composite structures. The project will cover a state-of-the-art review for identifying technology gaps that have to be filled to reach a technology readiness level beyond laboratory scale. This will be followed by experimental evaluation of some of the technologies that have the potential of real-time prognostics of damage growth.

Expected results and effects:

Using advanced SHM proposed in this project will facilitate new methodologies for sizing future composite airframes and bonded structures which will benefit design of future unmanned and lower cost air platforms, whilst also providing a possibility for a more rapid certification process. Clearly, these will affect both the lifecycle cost and performance of the platforms. The academic part also brings expertise in different research areas which will broaden the research towards system level.

Approach and implementation: The project will be divided into following work packages (WP): WP1: Project management WP2: Extended state-of-the-art (SOTA), technology gap analysis and down selection of technology for WP 3-5. WP3: Development of lamb wave sensor system. WP4: Developing piezoresistive CNT sensor technology, focusing on initial systems development.

WP5: Further develop selected sensor/sensing systems identified in WP2. WP6: Future technology, industrial benefit and roadmap to reach TRL 5 to 6