Monitoring Structural Health Using Friction Stir Techniques for Hybrid Composite Joints

Abstract

This chapter examines the application of friction stir methods (FST) to hybrid composite joint structural health monitoring. FST processing and welding are cutting-edge techniques that are well-known for minimizing flaws and enhancing joint strength when connecting and altering composite materials. The benefits of FST over conventional bonding procedures are examined, along with its principles and application. The chapter also covers the incorporation of FST with structural health monitoring (SHM) approaches, emphasizing the real-time evaluation of structural integrity and the identification of flaws prior to catastrophic breakdown. The compatibility of recent SHM technologies with FST-joined hybrid composites is evaluated, including fiber optic sensors, piezoelectric transducers, and electromechanical impedance approaches. The efficacy of FST-integrated SHM systems in identifying and addressing problems in hybrid composite joints is demonstrated in this chapter, along with its potential for predictive maintenance and life extension.