MULTI-LOAD BEHAVIOR AND DAMAGE DETECTION OFNANOCOMPOSITE STRAIN SENSORS

摘要

This paper presents an experimental study on the behavior of nanocomposite strain sensorsrnsubjected to various loading modes and their capability to detect structural damages. Thernelectrically conductive nanocomposites were fabricated in the form of a film using various typesrnof thermoplastic polymers and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) at various loadings.rnPreviously, it was shown that the conductive nanocomposites can be used as strain sensors byrnmeasuring the change in surface resistivity when subjected to an external mechanical loading.rnThis study extends into investigating the performance of the sensors when bonded to a substraternand subjected to tension, flexure, or compression. In tension and flexure, the resistivity changernshowed dependence on measurement direction, indicating that the sensors can be used for multidirectionalrnstrain sensing. In addition, the sensors exhibited a decreasing behavior in resistivityrnas the compressive load was applied, suggesting that they can be used for pressure sensing.rnThis study shows that the nanocomposite strain sensors can provide a pathway to affordable,rneffective, and versatile health monitoring technology.