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Wind turbines and aircraft structures require smooth surfaces due to the aerodynamic requirement. The surface mounted transducers for structural health monitoring disturbs the airflow over the surface. Embedding the sensors in the structures is a viable solution, which also leads to the self-protection and shielding of the sensors. A brief review of techniques to embed the sensors and their wiring is provided. Materials like piezo-polymers, nanocomposites, macro-fiber composites and ceramics have been investigated for the compatibility with composite laminate. The atomistic-continuum, micromechanics and finite element based approaches used to derive the effective properties of nanocomposites have been discussed. With the capability to change the density and stiffness of nanocomposites, the possibilities of very high compatibility with the host structure are explored. The relation of compatibility with the material parameters like density, axial stiffness, coupling stiffness and flexural stiffness has been discussed. We present the effect of embedding thin film sensors on the dynamic response of a composite laminated beam using a spectral finite element model. The change in stiffness and natural frequencies have been quantified. The study provides a strong base to design embedded sensing technology for advanced structures made of composite laminates and sandwich sections.
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