Modular Composite Damage Detection System (MCDDS)

NASA has identified a need for damage detection and health monitoring technologies in multiple NASA technology roadmaps. The primary objectives of the project are to investigate, select, and evaluate materials to fabricate thin, flexible, sensory panels, to investigate encapsulation approaches in composite matrixes, adhesion and repair methods of composite materials, to fabricate, test, and, evaluate at least three composite test specimens, to repair and evaluate the damaged test specimens, and to advance the modular damage detection architecture and the integration and packaging of the system. A modular damage detection system is proposed for the identification of damage to composite structures. The proof-of-concept composite damage detection system sensory panels will be encapsulated using one or more out of autoclave (OOA) fabrication methods selected from pre-preg, vacuum infusion, and standard wet layup. Once fabricated, the encapsulated panels will be subjected to mechanical stress using an MTS 810 Material Test System and examined using NDE techniques such as computed tomography (CT) or thermography. These composite test panels will also be evaluated using the MCDDS software to assess the system’s ability to identify damages such as delamination. The repair process will involve the removal of the damaged area using hand-sanding methods, repair patch layup, and vacuum bag and heater blanket in-situ curing. Deliverables: Prototype system capable of interfacing with flexible sensory panels, at least three tested composite specimens, at least 2 flexible sensory panel spares for testing at Siemens Gamesa wind turbine test facility, a signed Space Act Agreement with Siemens Gamesa, and a final report.

The proposed technology advancements thin flexible damage detection panel construction encapsulation techniques in composite matrixes innovative integration interfacing techniques with flexible embedded sensory panels repair methods of composite materials.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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