Advanced Composite Armor: In Situ Sensing with Carbon Nanotube Networks for Improved Damage Tolerance

Abstract : The goal of the project is to develop robust sensing methodologies based on carbon nanotube for the detection of damage in advanced army composite systems. The fundamental idea is that carbon nanotubes can function as a network of sensors in traditional laminated fiber composites to detect deformation and damage in situ, using electrical techniques. The novelty of the approach is in the use of carbon nanotube based multifunctional composites which integrate self-sensing function to structural components and can monitor damage initiation and propagation, and elucidate the nature and extent of damage. The objectives have been accomplished through integrated and complementary analytical and experimental studies. The innovative features of the project include: (a) The processing of SC-15 epoxy based glass fiber composites with highly uniform dispersion of carbon nanotubes as electrical conductive network; (b) The characterization of damage sensing capability of the hybrid composite under static and dynamic loading, and (c) The capability in analysis/modeling of 3D electrical percolation behavior and the evolution of damage with deformation.