Graphene-based strain sensing in composites for structural and health monitoring applications

Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Composite structures are attracting more interest due to their outstanding mechanical properties; thus, their inspection and health assessment are key items for their safe use. In this article we present a graphene-based sensor that evaluates the strain generated within a composite. A finite element model was developed to investigate the mechanism driving the graphene to act as a strain sensor. A prototype sensor was manufactured, using a commercially available graphene ink. The strain in composite samples was measured and the gauge factor identified by applying different load scenarios. The graphene sensor proved to be able to evaluate strain at various levels providing a gauge factor (exceeding 6) higher than commercially available strain gauges.Innovate UK for the project GRAPHOSITE “A Graphene Sensor for Defect Detection and Predictive Maintenance in Composite Materials” [grant number 104266]