Sensing system for monitoring the structural health of composite structures
AssigneeUniversity of Dayton
InventorBrian P. Rice
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A sensing system for use in monitoring the structural health of a structure such as a polymeric matrix composite structure is provided. The system includes a sensor formed from a conductive ink containing carbon nanofibers and a polymeric resin, and a data acquisition system for acquiring and evaluating data from the sensor. The conductive ink may be applied directly to the structure to be monitored in the form of a grid pattern. Damage to the structure may be detected by measuring changes in resistance values detected from the sensor.
Claims15
A sensing system for monitoring the structural health of a structure comprising:
- a sensor comprising a conductive ink containing from about 4 to about 12% by weight vapor grown carbon nanofibers having a high aspect ratio and at least one polymeric resin;
- and
- a data acquisition system;
- wherein said sensor is applied in the form of a grid pattern directly to the surface of said structure.
A sensing system for monitoring the structural health of a polymeric matrix composite structure comprising:
- a sensor comprising a conductive ink containing from about 4 to about 12% by weight vapor grown carbon nanofibers having a high aspect ratio and at least one polymeric resin which is compatible with said polymer in said polymeric matrix composite structure;
- and
- a data acquisition system.
A method of monitoring the structural health of a structure comprising:
- providing a sensor comprising a conductive ink containing from about 4 to about 12% by weight vapor grown carbon nanofibers having a high aspect ratio and at least one polymeric resin;
- and
- applying said sensor to a structure to be monitored in the form of a grid pattern by painting, rolling, or spraying;
- and
- providing a data acquisition system connected to said sensor for acquiring and evaluating data from said sensor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.