Robert Kaps

Development of a Door Surround Structure with Integrated Structural Health Monitoring System

Structural health monitoring (SHM) based on Lamb waves, a type of ultrasonic guided waves, is a promising method for in-service inspection of composite structures. Lamb waves can be excited and received using a network of actuators and sensors, which are permanently attached to the structure. By analysing the sensor signals, different kinds of structural defects can be detected and located through the interaction of the Lamb waves. This paper presents the development and manufacturing of a full-scale composite fuselage panel with a door surround structure and integrated SHM system. The SHM system consists of piezoceramic sensor arrays, which are integrated into the composite manufacturing process in the form of semi-finished parts. With this approach, the manufacturing steps and costs can be reduced.

Combined Prepreg and Resin Infusion Technologies

This chapter presents a novel manufacturing technology for the production of integrated structures made of carbon fiber composite materials. This manufacturing process is able to considerably reduce the production time of large assemblies for primary structural applications. It is based on a combination of the prepreg and the resin infusion technology, both of which are already established in industrial aerospace production. Experimental studies have been carried out to demonstrate the utility of this process. These investigations focused on the characterization of the generated contact zone through the use of two matrix systems as well as its mechanical properties.