ACIT has studied a remotely addressed strain detection system consisting of a passive embedded sensor and a handheld detector, used in either a stationary or portable mode. This Proposal will demonstrate the utility of the strain detection system for specific advanced composite materials used in aerospace vehicles, fulfilling a critical need to assess the mission capability of advanced composites. The system operates on the principle of an LC tank circuit with carefully balanced forces of inductance and capacitance to provide: ? Passive sensor no power needed Affordability ? Reproducibility ? Sensitivity in various configurations and applications ? Remote nondestructive inspection. The LC tank circuits designed by ACIT will be manufactured and laminated by an industry leader in this technology, and the resultant sensors will be incorporated into advanced aerospace carbon-fiber composites by a fabricator of composites for the F-22 and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Anticipated Benefits/Commercial Applications: This strain detection system provides a new tool to monitor defects in advanced composites. Applications include production (V-22 tail section primary quality inspection, F-18/E-F post-assembly inspection), space structures (Delta program, expendable vehicles, space station), and in-service evaluations (F-18/E-F, Mark V wing skins, Eurofighter). This strain detection system provides a new tool to monitor defects in advanced composites. Applications include production (V-22 tail section primary quality inspection, F-18/E-F post-assembly inspection), space structures (Delta program, expendable vehicles, space station), and in-service evaluations (F-18/E-F, Mark V wing skins, Eurofighter).
Keywords: Composites, Embedded Sensors, Strain Detection, Health Monitoring, Inspection
