Low-velocity impact damage localization of GF/epoxy laminates by the embedded MWCNT@GF sensor network

This paper presents the damage location technology in glass fiber reinforced epoxy (GF/epoxy) composite laminates subject to low-velocity impact. Multi-walled carbon nanotube coated GF (MWCNT@GF) is designed and manufactured as the sensor. MWCNT@GF sensor is embedded into the laminates to form an in situ sensing network. Relative resistances of the sensors are recorded after the low-velocity impact test. An algorithm is compiled to deal with the relative resistance data and help showing the impact damage location on a contour map. Results show that the in situ monitoring method with embedded MWCNT@GF sensor could locate the impact damage with high accuracy.