Intelligent System for Self-Healing Composite Materials

The Problem:

Aerospace vehicles endure significant stress resulting from foreign object impacts, thermo-mechanical fatigue, and environmental wear, leading to potential damage such as cracks or the separation of outer layers. Although self-healing systems are available for aerospace vehicles, they require unique sensors and diagnostic systems to monitor and address operational issues. A major challenge is that these existing self-healing systems degrade rapidly after only one or two cycles, posing a significant concern for aerospace vehicles aiming to optimize functionality and capability while controlling weight and expenses.

The Solution:

Researchers at the University of Alabama have developed a self-monitoring, self-diagnosing, and self-healing system that detects, diagnoses, and initiates composite structure repairs in-situ using a single, multi-functional network of sensors. The sensor network works in conjunction with the outer layer of healant-infused composite materials which can melt and heal cracks. The technology is capable of working beyond the normal self-healing cycles and is designed to weigh less than current systems, maximizing its cost efficiency.

Benefits: