Strain transfer for optimal performance of sensing sheet

Matthew Gerber, Campbell Weaver, Levent E. Aygun, Naveen Verma, James C. Sturm, Branko Glišić

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Sensing sheets based on Large Area Electronics (LAE) and Integrated Circuits (ICs) are novel sensors designed to enable reliable early-stage detection of local unusual structural behaviors. Such a device consists of a dense array of strain sensors, patterned onto a flexible polyimide substrate along with associated electronics. Previous tests performed on steel specimens equipped with sensing sheet prototypes and subjected to fatigue cracking pointed to a potential issue: individual sensors that were on or near a crack would immediately be damaged by the crack, thereby rendering them useless in assessing the size of the crack opening or to monitor future crack growth. In these tests, a stiff adhesive was used to bond the sensing sheet prototype to the steel specimen. Such an adhesive provided excellent strain transfer, but it also caused premature failure of individual sensors within the sheet. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to identify an alternative adhesive that survives minor damage, yet provides strain transfer that is sufficient for reliable early-stage crack detection. A sensor sheet prototype is then calibrated for use with the selected adhesive.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number1907
JournalSensors (Switzerland)
Volume18
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 12 2018

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Information Systems
  • Instrumentation
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Biochemistry

Keywords

  • Damage detection
  • Flexible adhesive
  • Large area electronics
  • Sensing sheet
  • Strain transfer
  • Structural health monitoring

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Strain transfer for optimal performance of sensing sheet'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this