Reflexive composites: self-healing composite structures

Thomas W. Margraf Jr.; Thomas J. Barnell; Ernie Havens; Christopher D. Hemmelgarn

doi:10.1117/12.776284

8 April 2008 Reflexive composites: self-healing composite structures

Thomas W. Margraf Jr., Thomas J. Barnell, Ernie Havens, Christopher D. Hemmelgarn

Proceedings Volume 6932, Sensors and Smart Structures Technologies for Civil, Mechanical, and Aerospace Systems 2008; 693211 (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.776284
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2008, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Cornerstone Research Group Inc. has developed reflexive composites achieving increased vehicle survivability through integrated structural awareness and responsiveness to damage. Reflexive composites can sense damage through integrated piezoelectric sensing networks and respond to damage by heating discrete locations to activate the healable polymer matrix in areas of damage. The polymer matrix is a modified thermoset shape memory polymer that heals based on phenomena known as reptation. In theory, the reptation healing phenomena should occur in microseconds; however, during experimentation, it has been observed that to maximize healing and restore up to 85 % of mechanical properties a healing cycle of at least three minutes is required. This paper will focus on work conducted to determine the healing mechanisms at work in CRG's reflexive composites, the optimal healing cycles, and an explanation of the difference between the reptation model and actual healing times.

Citation Download Citation

Thomas W. Margraf Jr., Thomas J. Barnell, Ernie Havens, and Christopher D. Hemmelgarn "Reflexive composites: self-healing composite structures", Proc. SPIE 6932, Sensors and Smart Structures Technologies for Civil, Mechanical, and Aerospace Systems 2008, 693211 (8 April 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.776284

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