Fatigue damage tracking and life prediction of fiberglass composites using a laser induced graphene interlayer

Fiberglass-reinforced composite materials are commonly used in engineering structures subjected to dynamic loading, such as wind turbine blades, automobiles, and aircraft, where they experience a wide range of unpredictable operating conditions. The ability monitor these while operation predict their remaining structural life without requiring removal from service has the potential drastically reduce maintenance costs improve reliability. This work exploits piezoresistive laser induced graphene (LIG) integrated into fiberglass-reinforced composites for in-situ fatigue damage monitoring lifespan prediction. LIG is within fiberglass using transfer-printing process that scalable with automation, thus reducing barriers widespread application. addition conductive traditionally insulating enables direct through simple passive resistance measurements during tension-tension loading. accumulation propagation detected throughout changes electrical measurements, measurement trends further onset catastrophic failure. Thus, this results multifunctional material self-sensing capabilities use high-performing, dynamic, flexible structures.