Com&Sens (stands for Composites & Sensing) is a Spin-off company of Ghent University and is specialized in applying fibre optic sensors to monitor composite structures. Mr Voet will talk about the concept of self-sensing composites on the first Convention day on 16 June. Previous he gives an overview on that topic and answers the headline question. “We as Com&Sens clearly think that the “Self-Sensing Composite Material-dream” can come true! The concept of self-sensing composites is relatively easy: a part wise or fully instrumented structure gives feedback on its structural response to any applied loading condition. As such the operator or inspector is able to determine if operation is still safe, i.e. “all in the green”, or if maintenance is necessary, i.e. “orange level”. Valuable information is gathered from sensing, not only for safe operation but more important to validate currently used simulation models or even to help improve designing.” Mr Voet starts and explains continuing: “Embedded sensing moreover, provides you the free option of applying the same embedded sensor technique already during the composite fabrication process. The sensors can for instance measure the residual strain built-up happening because of shrinking effects (e.g. warping, buckling). Of course this concept of a self-sensing or smart composite is not new and exists already more than several decades. However, implementation of embedded sensor technology has been presented so far mostly on academic research -and prototyping level. In fibre reinforced plastics, embedded fibre Bragg gratings are found to be one of the most popular and reliable solutions for strain monitoring. Why? Because their absolute sensor properties, non-intrusive and small dimensions (~100 – 200µm diameter), high sensitivity and multiplexing capacity, match very well the requirements of a self-sensing composite concept. Despite of their, even growing popularity, some complexities and shortcomings are still retaining the actual take-up of this technology by the industry. It is noted already that in the past few years many of these issues are being solved in accelerated tempo and some of the issues are being solved when speaking.”
With his lecture Mr Voet will elaborate the state of the art on fibre optic sensing technology. An overview will be given of the draw-backs, possibilities and practical solutions. In addition some examples of real applications will be shown, highlighting the multidisciplinary properties of embedded fibre Bragg grating sensors, also focusing on application in difficult production processes and harsh environments.
16 June 2015, 06:00 pm:
“Can a Dream of Self-Sensing Composite Material become Reality?“ - Current and Future Possibilities for Embedded Fibre Optic Sensing
Dr. Eli Voet, Com&Sens bvba (Zwijnaarde, Belgium)
In total more than 20 presentation will be given und will be clustered into the following sessions:
- Agile Production (16 June)
- Efficient Production (16 June)
- Session from Partner Country Belgium (16 June)
- Self-Enhancing Composite Processes (17 June)
The lecture program with further information on the individual sessions, speakers as well as the accompanying exhibition is available online at: www.cfk-convention.com/.... The conference language is English. To attend the CFK-Valley Stade Convention a binding registration in advance is required.
About CFK-Valley Stade Convention:
CFK-Valley Stade Convention is one of the most innovative expert conferences and showcases on the topic of composite lightweight constructions. Almost 400 participants – international experts from the composites industry – annually participate in this special event a global marketplace for CFRP technologies.
The CFK-Valley Stade Convention took place for the first time in 2007. The number of participants and exhibitors has greatly increased since then. In spite of inflation-related economic stagnation (in 2008/2009) the carbon fiber market was able to record constant growth rates. Energy efficiency, cost reduction, and low carbon emissions are major topics that concern nearly all branches of industry worldwide.
Top notch speakers will be presenting their latest developments in the technologies, processes and construction methods of composite lightweight construction both in research and in practice. The lectures will be given in English and will be clustered into thematic sessions.
www.cfk-convention.com
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9th International CFK-Valley Stade Convention
16 + 17 June 2015
Expert conference in the target field of carbon fiber-reinforced polymers
STADEUM, Stade