Embedded silicon carbide fiber sensor network based low-velocity impact localization of composite structures

Semi-conductive silicon carbide (SiC) fibers have excellent piezoresistive characteristics. Thus, SiC fibers not only can act as a sensing element but also a load bearing component in composite materials. In this study, embedded SiC fiber sensor network based low-velocity impact localization of composite structures was investigated. The SiC fiber sensor network was embedded into a composite panel during its fabrication process. By using the resistance changes of the embedded SiC fibers, impact signals were acquired, and reference impact signal based impact localization was performed. The reference data based impact localization was performed for various fiber configurations, and the effects of the embedment direction and position of the SiC fibers on the impact localization performance according to the embedment directions of SiC fiber sensors were compared and investigated. When the SiC fiber sensors are embedded in the direction of the reinforcing fibers, they can act as both the load bearing component and sensing element. On the other hand, when the embedment direction and position of the SiC fiber sensors were limited or constrained, the impact localization performance was influenced by the embedment direction and position of the SiC fibers. However, the impact localization performance was able to be improved through adjustment of the SiC fiber embedment direction, SiC fiber position, and mutual compensation between the SiC fibers. Consequently, the impact localization of the composite structure using an embedded SiC fiber network was successfully performed.