• Composites Research
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.47-54
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• 2000

One promising method for impact detection of composite structures is based on the use of piezopolymer thin fim (PVDf) sensor. In this paper, the relationship between the contact force and the signals of the attached strain gage and PVDF sensor to the composite plate subjected to low-velocity impact were derived. The relation for the open circuit and short circuit voltage of PVDF sensor was derived based on the equivalent circuit model of the piezoelectric sensor. The work was then extended to include experimental investigation into the use of short circuit voltage of PVDF sensor without using charge amplifier to detect low-velocity impact. The natural frequencies and damping ratio of the composite plate obtained from the vibration test were used to modify the analytical model and therefore the differences between measured and simulated signal of the modified analytical model in both forward and backward problem were considerably reduced. The reconstructed contact force and simulated sensor signals agreed well with the measured contact force, strain gage signal, and PVDF sensor singanl.

• Composites Research
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.21-31
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• 2024

This review paper investigates the use of shockwave attenuating materials within composite structures to enhance personnel protection against blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI). This paper also introduces experimental methodologies exploited in the generation and measurement of shockwaves to evaluate the performance of the shock dissipating composites. The generation of shockwaves is elucidated through diverse approaches such as high-energy explosives, shock tubes, lasers, and laser-flyer techniques. Evaluation of shockwave propagation and attenuation involves the utilization of cutting-edge techniques, including piezoelectric, interferometer, electromagnetic induction, and streak camera methods. This paper investigates phase-separated materials, including polyurea and ionic liquids, and provides insight into composite structures in the quest for shockwave pressure attenuation. By synthesizing and analyzing the findings from these experimental approaches, this review aims to contribute valuable insights to the advancement of protective measures against blast-induced traumatic brain injuries.