Elastomer Health Monitoring Utilizing Elastico-Mechanoluminescence From Impregnated ZnS:Cu

Mechanically induced light emission, termed mechanoluminescence (ML) has been a potential candidate for stress sensing, stress visualization, damage detection and crack propagation applications. In this work, we demonstrate utilizing ML from elastic loading, termed elastico-mechanoluminescence (EML), for structural health monitoring and failure prediction applications. EML from ZnS:Cu phosphors impregnated in elastomeric matrix is shown to correlate with the structural health of the matrix as well as indicate impending failure of the matrix. Indicators for real-time monitoring to predict impeding failure are also identified. EML based SHM system can be implemented to monitor health of several existing engineering devices that depend on functional elastomeric components for reliable operation.