Sensing system for monitoring the structural health of composite structures
First Claim
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1. A sensing system for monitoring the structural health of a structure comprising:
- a sensor comprising a conductive ink containing carbon nanofibers and at least one polymeric resin; and
a data acquisition system.
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Abstract
A sensing system for use in monitoring the structural health of a structure such as a polymeric matrix composite structure is provided. The system includes a sensor formed from a conductive ink containing carbon nanofibers and a polymeric resin, and a data acquisition system for acquiring and evaluating data from the sensor. The conductive ink may be applied directly to the structure to be monitored in the form of a grid pattern. Damage to the structure may be detected by measuring changes in resistance values detected from the sensor.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A sensing system for monitoring the structural health of a structure comprising:
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a sensor comprising a conductive ink containing carbon nanofibers and at least one polymeric resin; and
a data acquisition system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A sensing system for monitoring the structural health of a polymeric matrix composite structure comprising:
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a sensor comprising a conductive ink containing carbon nanofibers and at least one polymeric resin which is compatible with said polymer in said polymeric matrix composite structure; and
a data acquisition system.
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12. A method of monitoring the structural health of a structure comprising:
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providing a sensor comprising a conductive ink containing carbon nanofibers and at least one polymeric resin; and
applying said sensor to a structure to be monitored; and
providing a data acquisition system connected to said sensor for acquiring and evaluating data from said sensor. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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- 25. A conductive ink for use in a sensor for monitoring the structural health of a composite structure, said conductive ink comprising from about 4 to about 12% by weight carbon nanofibers and a polymeric resin.
Specification