Sensors for process and structural health monitoring of aerospace composites: A review

• Published in: Engineering structures Vol. 237; p. 112231
• Main Authors: Rocha, Helena, Semprimoschnig, Christopher, Nunes, João P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 15-06-2021; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Aerospace application; Aerospace environments; Aerospace industry; Algorithms; Complex systems; Composite materials; Data acquisition; Data processing; Data storage; Electronic devices; Embedding; Information processing; Liquid composite molding; Optical fibre sensors; Piezoelectric sensor; Piezo–resistive sensor; Polymer composite; Process monitoring; Sensor embedment; Sensors; Signal processing; Storage equipment; Structural health monitoring; Wiring; Process monitoring; Sensor embedment; Piezo–resistive sensor; Piezoelectric sensor; Polymer composite; Aerospace application; Structural health monitoring; Optical fibre sensors
• ISSN: 0141-0296; 1873-7323
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2021.112231

•Review of sensors for embedment in composites for structural health monitoring.•Multi-purpose sensor embedment for process and structural health monitoring (SHM).•SHM systems to improve the design and confidence to use aerospace composites.
Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is a promising approach to overcome the unpredictable failure behaviour of composite materials and further foster their use in aerospace industry with increased confidence. SHM may require a complex system, including sensors, wiring and cabling, data acquisition devices and software, data storage equipment, power equipment and algorithms for signal processing, involving a multidisciplinary team for its adequate development considering the operational environment and requirements of a certain application. This review paper focuses on the most promising type of sensors, laboratory made and commercially available, for SHM of aerospace composites. Sensing principles, characteristics, embedding procedures, sensor/ host materials interactions and acquired sensor data/ material behaviour are discussed. The use of sensors for in-situ process monitoring, specifically for curing and mould filling monitoring in liquid composite moulding processes are discussed. General considerations for the development of SHM systems for the aerospace environment are also briefly mentioned.