Coupled Damage Precursor Detection

This conceptual research focuses on identifying damage precursors in carbon fiber reinforced polymer laminates. By coupling integrated in situ sensing elements (magnetostrictive particles) and multi-scale ultrasonic inspection (Quantitative Ultrasonic Imaging) with minimum hardware the authors are able to capture and gain an understanding of damage precursors. Preliminary damage precursors can be identified and quantified and correlated to a particular failure mode(s) and/or fabrication process accelerating the need for a sensing/repair strategy that could be implemented to capture the specific precursor prior to the onset of cracks. Capturing and mitigating damage precursors ahead of micro-crack formulation will slow the evolution of the damage precursors to micro-cracks, mitigate adverse loading environment, and develop techniques to reduce stress and loading below the endurance limit to keep it from being fatigued.