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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/N65424/01
Title: SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL STUDIES OF DAMAGE IN MATERIALS INCORPORATING TRIBOLUMINESCENT SENSORS
Principal Investigator: Field, Professor J
Other Investigators:
Walton, Dr A
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Physics
Organisation: University of Cambridge
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 October 2000 Ends: 30 September 2003 Value (£): 165,876
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Materials Characterisation
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Electronics
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
It has recently been demonstrated (proof of principle) by DERA scientists that high-efficiency triboluminescent (TL) materials can be utilised to detect when and where structural damage occurs in composites. The TL material (in the form of a powder) is dispersed throughout the component and fracture is indicated by local light emission; this emission is detected via optic fibres embedded in the composite. The purpose of this proposal is to study the spatial and temporal characteristics of the fracture processes (occuring within a specified operating envelope) with a view I) to understanding in detail the fracture processes occuring in such a loaded composite and ii) optimising the crystal size, orientation and dispersal of the dopant powder. Extensive use will be made of image-intensified microscopy, high-speed photography, moire interferometry and scanning electron microscopy. The inclusion of other dopants which emit light at lower stress levels may prove useful in indicating the build up of potentially damaging stresses. The study may also look at the behaviour of doped engineered components when subjected to appropriate impact fracturing conditions.
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Organisation Website: http://www.cam.ac.uk