Embedded PVF2 sensors for impact and damage detection in sandwich composites

Todd A. Anderson, John A. Hanauska, Erdogan Madenci

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

It is well understood that composite sandwich structures have poor out-of-plane impact resistance. As a result, health monitoring and damage detection schemes are of interest to ensure the integrity of these structures by eliminating the necessity of overly frequent inspection schedules. For this reason, this study examines the effectiveness of piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVF2) film sensors embedded within the facesheet of a sandwich panel in detecting low-velocity impact and damage. In these experiments, four sensors are constructed and located in the corners of a rectangular test coupon and an instrumented dropped-weight impact test apparatus is utilized to record the sensor and impact force signals during the impact event. Results of the experiments demonstrate that the sensors are capable of producing high-level signals at low levels of impact energy, irrespective of the location of impact. Furthermore, comparisons between the contact force and sensor data show that the sensors are capable of indicating if and when impact damage occurs during the low-velocity impact event. The time-of-arrival information derived from each sensor is also utilized to determine if the location of impact can be found. Finally, the prospective use of these sensors for health monitoring of composite aerospace structures is discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages129-139
Number of pages11
StatePublished - 2001
Externally publishedYes
Event33rd International SAMPE Technical Conference -Advancing Affordable Materials Technology- - Seattle, WA, United States
Duration: Nov 5 2001Nov 8 2001

Other

Other33rd International SAMPE Technical Conference -Advancing Affordable Materials Technology-
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySeattle, WA
Period11/5/0111/8/01

Keywords

  • Impact response
  • Piezoelectric materials
  • Sandwich composite
  • Smart materials

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

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