Embedded sensing and actuating in CFRP composite structures—concept and technology demonstration for tailored embeddable sensor-actuator layers (TEmSAL)

Abstract

Carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) materials are of interest for the aerospace and aviation industry to master growing economic and ecological challenges. In contrast to conventional metallic materials, they offer both higher specific material properties, such as strengths, stiffnesses, and an increased energy absorption capacity in case of impact loading scenarios. Additionally, the possibility of integrating functional elements, such as actuators and sensors, predestine CFRP for the development of more lightweight structural components. In this study, a generic composite structure is instrumented with embedded piezo ceramic sensor elements. A technology for TEmSAL is presented and applied within an autoclave manufacturing process. Aspects of the designing process, manufacturing and instrumentation as well as experimental impact sensing and self-actuation results are presented and discussed.