Soliton-based sensor/actuator for delamination and weak bond detection in laminated composites

Abstract

We design, fabricate, and test a new type of sensor/actuator device that uses stress wave solitons to detect the areas of delaminations and potentially weak adhesive bonds in laminated composites. In this technique, by injecting high energy solitons to a specific inspection area and measuring reflected waves simultaneously, we identify delaminations and characterize the quality of adhesive bonding interfaces in a fast and efficient manner. We also simulate the interaction between solitons and delaminations/weak bonds with the finite element method to understand the effect of composite damages on the scattering behavior of solitons. This proposed sensor technology can open a new way in conducting composite structures inspection, contributing to enhancing maintenance and inspection accuracy and efficiency.