Integrated Sensing and Modeling for Damage Assessment in Multifunctional Composites

MesoScribe Technologies and project partner SUNY-Stony Brook will develop embedded sensors with integrated mechanics-based models to assess and predict accumulated damage in graphite reinforced epoxy composite structures. Meaningful evaluation schemes for composite degradation will be developed using advanced interpretation procedures based on inverse analysis techniques. This novel approach is essential to quantify material systems containing complex microstructures based on information collected from structurally integrated sensors. The proposed sensors will be fabricated by a novel Direct Write technology and integrated within the composite structure to measure strain, temperature, cracking, etc and new sensors designed to measure UV light will be examined. The aim is to establish robust evaluation procedures with rigorous multi-degradation testing followed by intelligent data processing methods and use this approach to design and develop next generation material/structural systems. Northrop Grumman will provide project guidance during the course of this Phase I STTR with the goal of implementing the developed techniques for use in a number of DoD applications.