Free-form fabrication of composites with embedded sensors

Paul D. Calvert; Hugh B. Denham; Todd A. Anderson

doi:10.1117/12.349725

31 May 1999 Free-form fabrication of composites with embedded sensors

Paul D. Calvert, Hugh B. Denham, Todd A. Anderson

Proceedings Volume 3670, Smart Structures and Materials 1999: Sensory Phenomena and Measurement Instrumentation for Smart Structures and Materials; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.349725
Event: 1999 Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials, 1999, Newport Beach, CA, United States

Abstract

Layerwise processing methods allow parts to be built with sensors placed within the structure and fully embedded. Blocks of epoxy resin have been formed with embedded optical fibers. The fiber can be used to monitor curing and water uptake of the epoxy using ambient light which passes through the resin, is collected by the fiber and analyzed in a near-IR spectrometer. Piezoelectric polymer films have also been embedded in epoxy and used to monitor curing by changes in response to an external stress pulse. In the long run, it would be desirable to form parts containing many sensors with sensitivity differing environmental variables. Epoxy parts have been freeformed with lines of conducting carbon-filled polymer written into the structure during forming. Where they are at the surface of the part, these materials respond to solvent exposure by a resistance change. Parts have been made with sensors distributed across the surface and their ability to sense gradients of solvent vapor, and so direction to a source, is being tested.

Citation Download Citation

Paul D. Calvert, Hugh B. Denham, and Todd A. Anderson "Free-form fabrication of composites with embedded sensors", Proc. SPIE 3670, Smart Structures and Materials 1999: Sensory Phenomena and Measurement Instrumentation for Smart Structures and Materials, (31 May 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.349725

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