Development of a Multi-Function Sensors

Sensors are increasingly used to determine the operational and environmental state of aerospace structures while in service. Typically, each sensor is tasked with a single function. The measurement of multiple physical quantities is usually associated with multiple sensors. The number of sensors on a structure may become prohibitive due to cost, weight or power constraints. This paper investigates the development and application of a multi-functional sensor where a single sensor performs multiple functions. A flexible MFC based piezoelectric sensor is embedded in a corrugated composite plate to determine the state of stress, temperature and vibration, all from the same device. Development of the sensor and preliminary test results are discussed in detail.