“...a comprehensive and well written book, which...will be useful reading for both researchers entering the field and experienced specialists looking for new ideas....a valuable and long-lasting contribution to experimental mechanics.” – Stepan Lomov, KU Leuven This expert volume, an enhanced Habilitation thesis by the head of the Materials Testing Research Group at the University of Augsburg, provides detailed coverage of a range of inspection methods for insitu characterization of fiber-reinforced composites. The failure behavior of fiber reinforced composites is a complex evolution of microscopic damage phenomena. Beyond the use of classical testing methods, the ability to monitor the progression of damage insitu offers new ways to interpret the materials failure modes. Methods covered include digital image correlation, acoustic emission, electromagnetic emission, computed tomography, thermography, shearography, and promising method combinations. For each method, the discussion includes operational principles and practical applications for quality control as well as thoughtful assessment of the method's strengths and weakness so that the reader is equipped to decide which method or methods are most appropriate in a given situation. The book includes extensive appendices covering common experimental parameters influencing comparability of acoustic emission measurements; materials properties for modeling; and an overview of terms and abbreviations.

Smart Textiles for in situ Monitoring of Composites proposes a ‘smart textile’ approach to help solve the problem of real-time monitoring of the structural health of composites. The book combines textiles, composites and structural health monitoring knowledge to present an integrated approach to the deployment of smart textiles to monitor failure modes in composite materials. It introduces the theory of smart textiles for monitoring and measurement applications, describes established and developing techniques and approaches for using smart textiles for in-situ monitoring, and includes different fiber/matrix combinations and hybrid structures that are all presented using academic research and real-world case studies. As smart textiles are fitted with flexible adapted sensors and actuators that detect stress, deformation, temperature changes, light intensity, and other signals from the environment, this book is a timely resource on the topic. Proposes a ‘smart textile’ approach to in situ monitoring of the structural health of composites where the composite structure’s functionalized reinforcement also plays a role Discusses the impact of this technology on different reinforcement materials and matrices Demonstrates, through a review of research and case studies, the implementation of sensing and measurement systems

With his work, Martin Nebe provides principal insights into the mechanical response of composite pressure vessels subjected to internal pressure. By establishing and validating an in situ characterization methodology, the vessel’s geometry, its deformation behavior and the damage evolution process under internal pressure loading become accessible. This not only permits to trace back certain phenomena related to the manufacturing of these components but also allows to verify analytical and numerical modeling strategies. The exercised correlation of predicted and experimental results delivers detailed insights into design considerations to composite pressure vessels such as the definition of stacking sequence. The transfer of knowledge to a fullscale vessel geometry, which is representative for the use in fuel cell electric vehicles underlines the industrial application of this work. By combining numerical modeling, filament winding and experimental characterization, this work provides a sound foundation for future developments in the area of composite pressure vessels used for hydrogen storage.

This book presents a unified approach to fracture behavior of natural and synthetic fiber-reinforced polymer composites on the basis of fiber orientation, the addition of fillers, characterization, properties and applications. In addition, the book contains an extensive survey of recent improvements in the research and development of fracture analysis of FRP composites that are used to make higher fracture toughness composites in various applications.The FRP composites are an emerging area in polymer science with many structural applications. The rise in materials failure by fracture has forced scientists and researchers to develop new higher strength materials for obtaining higher fracture toughness. Therefore, further knowledge and insight into the different modes of fracture behavior of FRP composites are critical to expanding the range of their application.

This book builds on the foundation laid by Optical Fiber Sensor Technology, Volumes I and II. In those volumes the material covered encompassed the fundamentals and underlying principles of the subject and the progress in devices and their associated technology which has taken place in recent years. Optical Fiber Sensor Technology, Volume III concentrates on the applications of the technology and systems that rely upon it with a particular emphasis upon physical sensors. Edited by two scientists with a wide knowledge of the field and the community, the book brings together leading academics and practitioners in a comprehensive and incisive treatment of the subject. This is an essential reference both for researchers working and teaching in optical fiber sensor technology and for industrial users who need to be aware of current developments in optical fiber sensor devices and new areas of the associated technology.

Structural Health Monitoring of Biocomposites, Fibre-Reinforced Composites and Hybrid Composites provides detailed information on failure analysis, mechanical and physical properties, structural health monitoring, durability and life prediction, modelling of damage processes of natural fiber, synthetic fibers, and natural/natural, and natural/synthetic fiber hybrid composites. It provides a comprehensive review of both established and promising new technologies currently under development in the emerging area of structural health monitoring in aerospace, construction and automotive structures. In addition, it describes SHM methods and sensors related to specific composites and how advantages and limitations of various sensors and methods can help make informed choices. Written by leading experts in the field, and covering composite materials developed from different natural fibers and their hybridization with synthetic fibers, the book's chapters provide cutting-edge, up-to-date research on the characterization, analysis and modelling of composite materials. Contains contributions from leading experts in the field Discusses recent progress on failure analysis, SHM, durability, life prediction and the modelling of damage in natural fiber-based composite materials Covers experimental, analytical and numerical analysis Provides detailed and comprehensive information on mechanical properties, testing methods and modelling techniques

This open access book presents established methods of structural health monitoring (SHM) and discusses their technological merit in the current aerospace environment. While the aerospace industry aims for weight reduction to improve fuel efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and to decrease maintenance time and operating costs, aircraft structures are often designed and built heavier than required in order to accommodate unpredictable failure. A way to overcome this approach is the use of SHM systems to detect the presence of defects. This book covers all major contemporary aerospace-relevant SHM methods, from the basics of each method to the various defect types that SHM is required to detect to discussion of signal processing developments alongside considerations of aerospace safety requirements. It will be of interest to professionals in industry and academic researchers alike, as well as engineering students. This article/publication is based upon work from COST Action CA18203 (ODIN - http://odin-cost.com/), supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology). COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) is a funding agency for research and innovation networks. Our Actions help connect research initiatives across Europe and enable scientists to grow their ideas by sharing them with their peers. This boosts their research, career and innovation.