Detection of spatially distributed damage in fiber-reinforced polymer composites. (May 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Loyola, Bryan R; Briggs, Timothy M; Arronche, Luciana; Loh, Kenneth J; La Saponara, Valeria; O'Bryan, Greg; Skinner, Jack L
• Is Part Of: Structural health monitoring. Volume 12:Number 3(2013)
• Page Start: 225
• Page End: 239
• Publication Date: 2013-05
• Subjects: Carbon nanotube -- electrical impedance tomography -- fiber-reinforced polymer composite -- impact damage detection -- spatial conductivity mapping -- strain sensing -- structural health monitoring -- thin film; Structural health monitoring -- Periodicals; Structural stability -- Periodicals; Strength of materials -- Periodicals; Nondestructive testing -- Periodicals; Constructions -- Stabilité -- Périodiques; Résistance des matériaux -- Périodiques; Contrôle non destructif -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 624.17
• DOI: 10.1177/1475921713479642
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1475-9217

Abstract

This work describes a novel method of embedded damage detection within glass fiber–reinforced polymer composites. Damage detection is achieved by monitoring the spatially distributed electrical conductivity of a strain-sensitive multiwalled carbon nanotube thin film. First, thin films were spray-deposited directly upon glass fiber mats. Second, using electrical impedance tomography, the spatial conductivity distribution of the thin film was determined before and after damage-inducing events. The resolution of the sensor was determined by drilling progressively larger holes in the center of the composite specimens, and the corresponding electrical impedance tomography response was measured by recording the current–voltage data at the periphery of the monitored composite sample. In addition, the sensitivity to damage occurring at different locations in the composite was also investigated by comparing electrical impedance tomography spatial conductivity maps obtained for specimens with sets of holes drilled at different locations in the sensing area. Finally, the location and severity of damage from low-velocity impact events were detected using the electrical impedance tomography method. The work presented in this study indicates a paradigm shift in the available possibilities for structural health monitoring of fiber-reinforced polymer composites.