Mechanoluminescence for detecting mechanical stresses
Benefits
- Repeatable due to its basis on elastic deformation
- Contactless, visual detection
- Real time detection and continuous monitoring
- No power supply needed for equipment
- Detection available over a large surface area
- Unaffected by electromagnetic waves
- Detects a range of stresses (friction, impacts, cracks, etc.)
Issue
Solution
We have developed a new type of elastic-mechano-luminescent (EML) product that is able to emit a luminous signal proportionally to a mechanical stress: compression, flexion, stretching, torsion, impact, friction, etc. This also allows continuous monitoring of the repeated mechanical stresses suffered by a structure, object, or film. The product functions similarly to piezoelectric systems but provides visual detection in real time, over large surface areas, with no contact required. This new product can be integrated as a film or surface coating applied to the material to be monitored, or as an additive to the mass, particularly for composite matrices (associated with fiber optics). We have imagined some of the first areas of application for EML materials. For example, in the field of structural health monitoring for preventative maintenance: - Detecting invisible faults - Detecting impacts or delamination (composites) in aeronautics, wind power, etc. - Contactless torque measurement in rotating machinery - Painting to prevent cracks in the structure of buildings - Visual marking of the distribution of stresses in a metal part Other applications: - Pressure sensing matrix (e.g. smart floors) - Sensing strain distribution in bones - Smart textiles