Induction is the ability of a material to perceive its own condition. The material itself is used as a sensor, and the structure information of the product can be monitored without implanting or attaching a sensor system, so that not only the cost is lower, the durability is higher, the sensing volume is larger, and the mechanical performance is The loss is smaller.
Polymer matrix composites reinforced by continuous carbon fibers are known materials that have self-induction capabilities. For example, it can perform self-induction monitoring of damage in the fiber-wound cylinder based on the measurable change in the resistance of the continuous fibers.
Its application potential also includes monitoring the structural health of key parts of buildings such as airplanes or bridges.
The Breitland Material Center in the Netherlands is combining the self-induction capabilities of continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastics with additive manufacturing to produce self-induction components. The continuous fiber additive manufacturing method can realize the precise positioning and orientation of the carbon fiber, so that the carbon fiber can be placed at the selected position in the product, forming an integral part of the structure.
This means that carbon fiber "sensors" can be placed where they are needed, and multiple fibers can form a series of sensors on the entire part.
By monitoring the deformations in the reduced-scale models of simply supported beams and composite pedestrian bridges, the Brightland Materials Center validated this concept.
They are all printed by a printer, the machine is completely free to arrange the carbon fiber and choose the material, which is particularly important for sensing, because the carbon fiber must extend from the component to connect to the monitoring electronic hardware.
Self-induction can also play a role in the design and prototype stages of new products or when replacing non-reusable spare parts. The 3D printed self-inducing fiber-reinforced thermoplastic helps to gather information about the actual use environment. During the test, the 3D printed self-sensing parts can record the real power and force that the product needs to withstand, so that designers and engineers can more clearly understand which requirements the 3D printed parts must meet.
As a diagnostic tool, 3D printed self-induction orthoses or prostheses can guide patients and provide doctors with valuable information about stress distribution and movement patterns.