Appliques for the Assessment of Damage on Composites

Luna Innovations will develop impact and thermal damage indicator appliques for polymer matrix composites (PMCs) used in aircraft and support structures. This smart applique system will produce a visual signal in response to an impact or thermal event capable of damaging the underlying composite. This system will allow maintenance personnel to rapidly identify potential composite damage in the field without the use of expensive equipment or extensive training. Areas of damage highlighted by the applique can then be more closely inspected with traditional NDE methods to determine if repair is required. This indicator system is inexpensive, scalable, and will operate with currently used applique systems to show prospective impact and thermal damage. The technology developed on this program will decrease life cycle costs, reduce maintenance, and increase readiness by limiting equipment down-time.