Optical self-sensing of impact damage in composites using E-glass cloth

Self-sensing of damage in composites employs the reinforcing fibres as the sensing element, obviating the need for addition of sensing elements to the system. Optical self-sensing systems in the past have relied on the use of low refractive index resins in order to work, preventing the use of commercial laminating resins. In this study a commercial laminating resin (Araldite LY5052/Aradur HY5052) is modified with propylene carbonate, a commercial reactive diluent, to reduce the resin's refractive index. It is shown that this system is capable of identifying and locating an impact and quantifying the extent of damage within a composite.