Aeronautics and Air Transport Research 7th Framework Programme ...

composite repairs and adapted to CNTdoped
materials will be implemented. The
proposed curing methodologies will be evaluated
in terms of curing effi ciency and patch
bonding integrity.
SP2: Demonstrating the applicability of the
smart patch concept based on the approach
of electrical resistance measurements. The
electrical resistance mapping performance for
the detection of various types of damage in
repaired aero-structures will be critically evaluated
against typical ultrasonic inspection. A
second Non Destructive Technique – fl ash
thermography – will also be adopted.
SP3: Providing the framework to integrate
the technologies of innovative curing, curing
control and monitoring and the smart patch
technologies. The technology integration will
be made in small-scale components and
validated through appropriate testing (quasistatic
and dynamic/fatigue loading conditions).
Then the integrated system will be
validated in a suitable aeronautical structure.
The envisaged construction will consist of thin
(skin) and thick (web) components.
Expected Results
The major expected results of the project:
- Optimal CNT processing for the achievement
of dispersion in the matrix, conductive
properties of the adhesive layers and minimisation
of galvanic effects in the case of
aluminium substrate repair;
- The design and implementation of novel
curing approaches based on the conductive
properties of the materials using induction
and resistance heating;
- The implementation and validation of novel
offl ine and online sensing methodologies
based on the two dimensional and through
thickness mapping of the changes in the
CNT conductive network that mirror the
damaged system;
- The integration of the innovative curing system
with the smart-patch sensing abilities
and validation at coupon level and largescale
applications;
- A list of recommendations for the industrialisation
of the technology and for securing
the developed repair system within the
existing repair standards.
Improving Cost Efficiency
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