TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Materials/Processes

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA-261, H-53, Heavy Lift Helicopters

OBJECTIVE: Develop embeddable strain gages that can measure strains and detect damage in composite repair patches.

DESCRIPTION: Robust and accurate sensing of strains is a coveted capability sought by the military and industry. Increasing the fidelity of repair in critical areas by placing sensors in the repair area and posting repair feedback will increase the window in which repairs can be made without compromising safety. Industry is currently developing a number of printing technologies including aerosol or paste based spray and direct write thermal spray. These printed sensors can be deposited to close tolerances, printed over large areas, and can be embedded. There has been some success in using these sensors for oscillatory strain measurement. However, not enough work has been done to perfect the technology for static or non-oscillatory strain measurements.

PHASE I: Develop an approach to print and embed the strain sensors in composite repair. Demonstrate the concept at a coupon level.

PHASE II: Develop a prototype and demonstrate its ability to predict non-oscillatory strains.

PHASE III: Transition the technology to a DoD platform.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: With increasing use of composites in commercial airplanes, civilian aerospace market would be a potential beneficiary. These sensors will also be very attractive to the automobile and high performance sports industries.

REFERENCES:
1. Longtin J., Sampath S, Tankiewicz, S., Gambino, R.J, and Greenlaw R.J, Sensors for harsh environments, IEEE Sensors Journal, Vol 4, No 1, pp 118-121.

2. Sampath S., Novel concepts in direct writing of electronics and sensors, Digital Fabrication, 2005, pp 21-24.

KEYWORDS: Direct Write; Strain Sensor; Embedded Strain Sensor; Printed Strain Gage; Static Strain; Repair Monitor

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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