Characterisation of Transverse Matrix Cracks in Composite Materials Using Fibre Bragg Grating Sensors

In this paper, we propose a novel approach to characterise barely visible transverse matrix cracks in composite structures using fibre Bragg grating (FBG) optical sensors. Matrix cracks are one of the most prevalent types of damage in composite structures, and detecting them in the internal layers of composites has remained a challenge. In...

3.12 Inspection and Monitoring of Composite Aircraft Structures

The new generation of civil aircraft, including the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 787, are composed of composite materials for their primary aircraft structures. This presents a challenge for airline maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations in both the short- and long-term. In the short-term, new technologies are needed for maintenance,...