A Feasibility Study into the Active Smart Patch Concept for Composite Bonded Repairs
Abstract
This report describes an experimental investigation into a novel form of composite bonded repair called the Active Smart Patch (ASP). The ASP represents an important conceptual advancement over conventional repair technology by incorporating into a patch a network of embedded piezoelectric elements that provides a diagnostic facility for structural health. This type of repair is being developed as a means of mitigating the strict certification requirements currently placed on bonded repairs to primary aircraft structure, and as a potentially cost-efficient means of providing structural integrity assurance where lack of access precludes conventional nondestructive inspection. Initial development of the concept targets the problem of cracking at Forward Auxillary Spar Station (FASS) 281.28 in the F-111 Lower Wing Skin. As a first approximation to this problem, a prototype ASP was developed and then applied to a metal coupon which was notched to simulate cracking. The study shows that a network of piezoelectric transducers embedded in the bond-line of the patch provides a robust basis for the detection of notch growth.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA502862
Entities
People
- N. Rajic
- S. C. Rosalie
Organizations
- Defence Science and Technology Group