Integration of printed sensors for the functionalization of composite components

Abstract

This paper presents the research activities in the framework of the European MORPHO H2020 project regarding the integration of sensors in composite parts using printing technologies. Printed sensors reported here are able to detect impacts on the host composite structure and to measure temperatures. For temperature measurements thermocouples type T (Cu-CuNi) were used. These type T thermocouples consist of Cu and CuNi materials, which are joined together to form a junction. When the temperature in the junction changes, a small voltage is generated by the thermocouple. This voltage can be measured and can be related to the temperature. For impact detection, printed piezoelectric sensors were implemented in carbon fiber reinforced composite materials. Piezoelectric sensors are based on piezoelectric materials. A voltage is generated when pressure is applied on the sensor or when a wave is crossing the sensor. These piezoelectric sensors are able to measure and localize an impact by measuring the time difference of the arrival of the signal from different piezoelectric sensors.