Abstract: An in-situ fiber-optic temperature field measurement is disclosed that can allow process monitoring and diagnosis for thermoplastic composite welding and other applications. A distributed fiber-optic sensor can be permanently embedded in a thermoplastic welded structure when it is welded and left there to perform lifelong monitoring and inspection. The fiber optic sensor can include a dissolvable coating, or a coating matched to the composite material to be welded. Other applications include in-situ fiber-optic temperature field measurement on thermoset composite curing (autoclave), for thermoplastic and thermoset composites during compression molding, and for fiber-optic field measurements on freeze/thaw of large items of public health interest, such as stored or transported foodstuffs.

Abstract: Detection, identification, and monitoring of various composite-damage types such as impact damage, delaminations, etc. using angle-beam coupled guided waves and methods and systems that permit excitation with angle-beam techniques of certain composite-material guided-wave modes that cannot be excited in isotropic metals with angle-beam methods.

Abstract: Detection, identification, and monitoring of various composite-damage types such as impact damage, delaminations, etc. using angle-beam coupled guided waves and methods and systems that permit excitation with angle-beam techniques of certain composite-material guided-wave modes that cannot be excited in isotropic metals with angle-beam methods.

Abstract: Computationally efficient, highly accurate, and cost-effective approach for detection of damage in a structure is described. Methods include a combined analysis in both global and local regions of a structure to predict the received wave signals at a location due to scattering of Lamb waves at a damage site. Through comparison of an actual received wave signal with the predicted signals, identification of damage location and/or type can be provided. Methods can be particularly beneficial when considering damage assessment in a complex structure that includes plate-like structures that include an extension off of a base plate, e.g., a stiffened structure.

Abstract: An in-situ fiber-optic temperature field measurement is disclosed that can allow process monitoring and diagnosis for thermoplastic composite welding and other applications. A distributed fiber-optic sensor can be permanently embedded in a thermoplastic welded structure when it is welded and left there to perform lifelong monitoring and inspection. The fiber optic sensor can include a dissolvable coating, or a coating matched to the composite material to be welded. Other applications include in-situ fiber-optic temperature field measurement on thermoset composite curing (autoclave), for thermoplastic and thermoset composites during compression molding, and for fiber-optic field measurements on freeze/thaw of large items of public health interest, such as stored or transported foodstuffs.

Abstract: Computationally efficient, highly accurate, and cost-effective approach for detection of damage in a structure is described. Methods include a combined analysis in both global and local regions of a structure to predict the received wave signals at a location due to scattering of Lamb waves at a damage site. Through comparison of an actual received wave signal with the predicted signals, identification of damage location and/or type can be provided. Methods can be particularly beneficial when considering damage assessment in a complex structure that includes plate-like structures that include an extension off of a base plate, e.g., a stiffened structure.