Collision monitoring of foreign matters on CFRP laminate

Abstract

Carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) have superior mechanical properties compared with conventional metal materials. However, even a small out-of-plane impact load can cause serious damage in a CFRP laminate because of its laminated structure composed of anisotropic layers. Although ultrasonic inspection is generally performed to detect the damage and estimate its location and size, the method requires a large cost. Therefore, a low-cost system for monitoring collisions of foreign matters is required to identify the area where the ultrasonic inspection must be conducted. When a foreign matter (regarding it as a charged body) approaches and hits electric conductive materials such as a CFRP laminate, an electric current caused by electrostatic induction flows. We analyzed the electric current and developed a collision monitoring method of foreign matters. As a result, collision point, collision angle and collision speed are identified by using the proposed method.