Progress in triboluminescence-based smart optical sensor system

• Published in: Journal of luminescence Vol. 131; no. 7; pp. 1407 - 1418
• Main Authors: Olawale, David O., Dickens, Tarik, Sullivan, William G., Okoli, Okenwa I., Sobanjo, John O., Wang, Ben
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01-07-2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: Aircraft components; Composites; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Damage detection; Exact sciences and technology; General equipment and techniques; Impact damage; Instruments, apparatus, components and techniques common to several branches of physics and astronomy; Luminescence; Materials science; Materials testing; Optical sensors; Physics; Sensors; Sensors (chemical, optical, electrical, movement, gas, etc.); remote sensing; Smart structures; State of the art; Structural health monitoring; Triboluminescence; Smart structures; Composites; Triboluminescence; Sensors; Structural health monitoring; Radiation effects; Ruptures; Plastic deformation; Elastic deformation; Photon irradiation; Composite materials; Electron irradiation; Optical sensors; Intelligent system; Mechanical shock; Stress measurement
• ISSN: 0022-2313; 1872-7883
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jlumin.2011.03.015

Extensive research work has been done in recent times to apply the triboluminescence (TL) phenomenon for damage detection in engineering structures. Of particular note are the various attempts to apply it in the detection of impact damages in composites and aerospace structures. This is because TL-based sensor systems have a great potential for wireless, in-situ and distributed (WID) structural health monitoring when fully developed. This review article highlights development and the current state-of-the-art in the application of TL-based sensor systems. The underlying mechanisms believed to be responsible for triboluminescence, particularly in zinc sulfide manganese, a highly triboluminescent material, are discussed. The challenges militating against the full exploitation and field application of TL sensor systems are also identified. Finally, viable solutions and approaches to address these challenges are enumerated.
► The underlying mechanisms believed to be responsible for triboluminescence. ► State-of-the-art in the development and application of TL-based sensor systems. ► The challenges militating against the full exploitation and field application of TL sensor systems are identified. ► Viable solutions and approaches to address these challenges are enumerated.