Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensing system that, in a preferred embodiment, can be readily integrated into load-lifting structures (such as wings and landing gears) to provide real-time DPHM and obviate/mitigate catastrophic problems. Broadly, the present sensing system combines at least one shim portion with at least one nanogenerator such as a TENG or a PENG. A major advantage of the present sensing system is that it combines in a single structure the following functions: (a) gap management in the component in which the sensing system is installed, (b) collection/storage of measured data for the component in which the sensing system is installed, (c) harvesting/storing energy from operation environment of the component in which the sensing system is installed (e.g., DPHM data when the present sensing system is used for assessment of an aircraft's structural conditions), and (d) wireless transmission of measured data for the component in which the sensing system is installed to a user interface.

Abstract: There is described a cascade-type compact hybrid energy cell (CHEC) that is capable of individually and concurrently harvesting solar, strain and thermal energies. The cell comprises an n-p homojunction nanowire (NW)-based piezoelectric nanogenerator and a nanocrystalline/amorphous-Si:H single junction cell. Under optical illumination of ˜10 mW/cm2 and mechanical vibration of 3 m/s2 at 3 Hz frequency, the output current and voltage from a single 1.0 cm2-sized CHEC was found to be 280 ?A and 3.0 V, respectively—this is are sufficient to drive low-power commercial electronics. Six such CHECs connected in series were found to generate enough electrical power to light emitting diodes or drive a wireless strain gauge sensor node.

Abstract: A method for producing a laminated shim includes subjecting a shim stock to a plasma electrolytic oxidization (PEO) process to create a PEO shim, applying an adhesive layer of an adhesive to a surface of the PEO shim, stacking at least one other PEO shim onto the adhesive layer of the PEO shim to create a stack of PEO shims, and pressing the stack of PEO shims together to create a PEO coated peelable laminate.