Composite health monitoring system for space applications

 The project was supported by FIRST! (Future Innovation Research in Space Transportation), an initiative of the ESA STS (Space Transportation) Future Launchers Preparatory Program (FLPP). The aim of the work is to develop a new affordable and reliable manufacturing method for a Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) tube with an integrated Health Monitoring System (HMS).

In this project, CompoTech has successfully developed the technology to integrate the optical measuring fibres used for the Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing (DFOS) method. This unique method is able to measure strain at points about 2.6 mm apart along the entire length of the optical fibre. Carbon fibre sensors were also integrated to enable impaction detection.

The profiles with integrated sensors will be applicable in the construction of structures in space with the possibility of structural health monitoring.