Mechanoluminescence Based Structural Health Monitoring Technique for Elastomeric Components

Light emission induced by mechanical input, termed mechanoluminescence (ML), has been gaining widespread attention recently. Various theories have been put forth over the years identifying sources and mechanisms behind ML. Several applications utilizing ML such as stress sensing, stress visualization, surface crack propagation detection and environmental friendly light source have been put forth. Despite promising results, large scale implementation of ML based sensing and visualization technologies for industrial applications is yet to be achieved. In this conference paper, we demonstrate a structural health monitoring technique utilizing mechanoluminescence emission that is low power, in-situ and easily scalable for industrial applications. Flexible elastomeric composite coupons impregnated with ML crystals subjected to constant cyclical loading up to millions of cycles. ML emission from the coupons is used to track the strain in the coupon over time. Variations in strain are then correlated to variations in stiffness of the coupon over time thereby monitoring its structural health. We also predict the failure of the coupons based on ML intensity. A pseudo-algorithm that tracks ML intensity and predicts failure ahead in time is also put forth facilitating convenient scale-up for industrial applications.