SMART JOINT: integrated fiber optic monitoring of adhesive joints and additive materials
A Smart Joint sensor provides real-time stress and strain values from within an adhesive bonded joint. The fiber optic sensor is integrated with the joint to assess failures in real time with spatial information, and works with joints between similar or dissimilar materials including concrete, metals, glass and carbon composites.
The problem
Adhesive bonded joints join similar/dissimilar materials without machining or damaging the materials enabling greater flexibility and efficiency in manufacturing. The joint is also heavily dependent on the quality of the manufacturing process. The joints also present a complex pattern of failure modes which is impossible to predict and challenging to study with traditional testing. New testing methods will enable engineers to deliver these new solutions.
The solution
Researchers at the University of Tennessee have developed an innovative “Smart Joint” sensor that can provide real-time stress/strain values. The fiber optic sensor is integrated with the joint to assess failures in real-time and with spatial information (a, b). With this information engineers can find optimal configurations and manufacturing processes to achieve their goals. In our example (c), researchers bonded a carbon fiber composite and aluminum with a methacrylate-based adhesive. The “Smart Joint” functions with the joining of any materials such as: concrete, metals, glass or carbon composites.
Benefits
- Sensor is integrated during or after formation of adhesive joint
- Measures strain and corresponding stress tensor
- Data can be collected periodically or continuously
- Can be used between two similar or dissimilar materials
Patent status
US20190193338A1
About University of Tennessee, Knoxville
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