METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTING AND LOCATING DAMAGES IN COMPOSITE STRUCTURES

摘要

There is provided a method and system for detecting and locating damages occurring in large structures made of polymer matrix composite materials while the structures are subjected to loading. Carbon nanotubes are added to a resin to make the latter electrically conductive. The modified resin is incorporated with long fibers to make the composite structures, which are marked with grid points where electrically conductive materials are deposited. The electrical resistances and potentials between the grid points for electrically non-conductive fibers and conductive fibers reinforced polymer composite structures are measured and used as a reference set. Since the occurrence of a damage changes the electric resistance and potential between contact points surrounding the damage, such a change serves as an indication of occurrence of the damage. The position of the damage in the structure is also determined. Damages can be detected and located in-situ while the composite structure is in operation.