Composite structures present a unique structural health-monitoring problem. Damage can occur during manufacture and usage that is not easily detectable, and it can significantly weaken the structure. The U.S. Army's fleet of helicopters operates in extreme conditions. The rigors of this environment present a unique challenge to monitor the health of the helicopter's composite structural components. Under a U.S. Army Phase II SBIR, Mide is investigating a novel method that uses the measured electrical resistances of a composite structure only along the edges of the structure to monitor its health. The major advantages of the proposed innovation are that it is practical, minimizes wiring/cabling, and does not require any additional sensors to be embedded within the composite. Not embedding sensors in the composite maintains the strength and integrity of the structure and reduces cost. The paper reports the results obtained with an in-house developed finite element model that predicts the resistive behavior of an-isotropic electrically conductive laminates. The analytical results were compared with and verified through tests on a small-scale test article. Initial results of tests conducted on a landing gear door of the Comanche helicopter are also reported. The program will conduct an extensive test matrix that includes ballistic tests at Fort Eustis, where the system will be used to detect size and location of ballistic damage in real time.
Resistance-based structural health monitoring of electrically conductive composites
Annual Forum Proceedings - AHS International, 61 ; 1278-1300
2005
23 Seiten, 11 Quellen
Conference paper
English
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