Multilevel detection of damage and repair in healable polymer- matrix composites

We present some results obtained in the ongoing research project entitled “IN MOOSHEAC - INnovative damage MOnitoring Of Self-HEAling Composites by acoustic emission in civil and aerospace applications”. The research program aims at utilizing Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) techniques for monitoring the healing process of healable composites and to investigate their structural properties post healing. In this campaign, samples of composite thin rectangular strips were designed and manufactured on purpose, and then tested in the lab under tension. The samples were supplied by a company that has developed a new type of resin - HealTech™ - giving composite materials the ability to heal micro cracks and delamination in about one minute after a localized heat supply. Acoustic Emission (AE) technique was used to detect damage, while Digital Image Correlation (DIC) was adopted to measure surface deformation. Data from both techniques were employed to assess material repair.