Author(s)

M. Barbezat, A. J. Brunner, C. Huber, M. Melnykowycz, X. Kornmann & P. Flüeler

Abstract

Active Fibre Composites (AFC) elements consist of piezoelectric ceramic fibres embedded between two interdigitated electrodes in a thermoset polymer matrix. A deformation of the piezoelectric AFC elements by external forces generates a voltage across the electrodes that can be recorded. Acoustic Emission (AE) analysis is a well established method for structural integrity monitoring of composite structures and elements. AFC elements can detect acoustic waves in structural elements analogous to conventional commercial AE sensors. Experimental results using AFC elements as AE sensors integrated into glass fibre reinforced epoxy (GFRP) laminates and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) plates

Keywords