The PI’s at Florida A&M University-Florida State University, propose a triboluminescent sensory mechanism (physical failure-to-luminescence) constructed from in-house micro-wires to detect multiscale damage in composites. Triboluminescence mechanisms are utilized in a continuous micro sensor (μ-sensor) that contain elements of nanoscale reinforcement to create a structural-electronic device. This paper discusses micro-detection capabilities of the triboluminescent sensor mechanism and array. A technique known as “Solu-Molding†is 3D printed using a commercial soluble compound to meet the desired dimensions and geometry, including composite processing for negative draft of an entire structures or spliced component. In-situ Triboluminescent Optical Fiber (μ-sensors), by its trade name, are embedded in fiber reinforced structural composites to provide a sensory system. 12 GF panels were tested for impact damage and performance of the sensory system to detect micro-damage is reported. An array size of less than 6.5 cm2 was able to detect low-velocity impact damage. Segmental and junction analysis was performed to verify the accuracy of the proposed sensory system response.
doi: 10.12783/SHM2015/217