University of Ottawa

Purpose

Current airframe manufacturing involves the fiber-reinforced thermosetting of plastic-based composites whereby impregnated directional fibers in composite layers are processed to form complex geometries. As a result, significant deformation and defects inside of composite layers are expected and measurement of the fiber's deformation and temperature are required information. This Project involves the development of a multi-functional and multi-purpose quasi real-time and in-situ sensing technology as a precise warning method for early failure. Wireless printed sensors will be designed and then embedded during lamination, targeting individual layers. These electromagnetic printed sensors will ideally be based on inductor-capacitor circuits (LC circuit) and will monitor three primary elements: position, temperature, and crack. This novel approach is minimally intrusive, can be applied to realistic composite shapes, and can provide data in quasi real- time.