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Multifunctional Material and Aerospace Structures Optimization Lab

Research website for the Hartl research team at Texas A&M

Texas A&M University College of Engineering

Embedded SMA Sensory Components for Real-Time Structural Health Monitoring

Sensory particles

A novel concept of embedding phase transforming solid sensory particles into metallic structures to detect the initiation and propagation of cracks via strong magnetic signals.

A synergistic experimental/computational approach, whereby SMA particles exhibiting multi-physical magneto-mechanical coupling are physically processed at low volume fractions into structural components, their magnetic responses are characterized, and associated data are employed in the formulation/calibration of particle/matrix models at the continuum scale.

These models will consider the bulk response of SMA particles, their interface with the surrounding matrix, and the design of optimized particle shape, size, orientation, and distribution for the effective location of damage.

Sensory cables

To design, fabricate, and characterize multifunctional high strength and self-sensing braided cables and structures using novel Fe-based shape memory alloys (SMAs).

  • Design the optimized braided cable configuration that maximizes the load-bearing capabilities and superelastic response of the Fe-SMA wires.
  • Design of the embedding strategy of cables in structural composites for crack detection.
  • Fabrication of braided cables of Fe-SMAs.
  • Characterize the mechanical response of the braided cable bundle and validate design optimization.
  • Demonstration of structural health monitoring capability (Implementation)
  • Demonstrate that changes in the magnetic response of the braided cable under load directly correlate with deflection and strain for structural health monitoring.

 

Related Publications:

Allen Davis, Mirmilad Mirsayar, Darren Hartl, “A novel structural health monitoring approach in concrete structures using embedded magnetic shape memory alloy components,” Construction and Building Materials, December 2021.

Allen Davis, Mirmilad Mirsayar, Darren Hartl, “Structural health monitoring using embedded magnetic shape memory alloys for magnetic sensing,” SPIE, April 2019.

For more research videos from the M2AESTRO, please visit our YouTube page.

Research Topics

  • All Research
  • Topological Design of Multifunctional Structures via Genetic Programming
  • Morphing Antenna for Geographical Targeting
  • Mission-Adaptive Morphing Rotor Blades
  • Embedded SMA Sensory Components for Real-Time Structural Health Monitoring
  • Supersonic Morphing Aircraft
  • Muscular-Skeletal Morphing Structures
  • Immersive and Intuitive Data Environments
  • Avian Inspired Morphing Aircraft
  • Morphing Aerostructures for Noise Reduction
  • Reconfigurable Origami
  • Morphing Space Radiators
  • AAWE-EAA Spring Flight Event 2023
  • “Engineering a Homerun” Poster Design Commentary

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