Abstract
In this chapter, we have investigated cyclic response of smart sensing layer deposited on glass fiber composite material substrate. The smart layer was composed of a thermoplastic matrix (high-density polystyrene) and a dispersed nanofiller (carbon nanoparticles). This is in continuation of our earlier work where we successfully demonstrated structural health monitoring capability of such smart layers. Cyclic tests were performed to demonstrate the repeatability of the sensor as well as various characteristics such as linearity, saturation and general response characteristics. The substrate chosen was glass fiber laminated composite comprising eight layers of woven fabric reinforcements fabricated using vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding technique. The smart sensing layer was deposited on the composite specimens in the center using doctor blade and a slot die. The dynamic response of the smart layer reveals that the sensors are able to follow loading and unloading cycles without any delay. The response of the sensor is frequency dependent with saturation/ noise observed at high-frequency cyclic testing. The smart layer also demonstrates repeatability when cyclic loads are applied.
