Carbon nanotube-based strain sensor for structural health monitoring

In this study, a carbon nanotubes (CNT) yarn-based strain sensor with excellent durability and stability was developed for structural healthy monitoring. CNT yarns were directly spun from the CNT array, and the electrical resistance increased linearly according to the applied strain, exhibiting excellent strain sensor characteristics. The fabricated strain sensor underwent repeatable performance evaluation testing and exhibited stable sensor operation characteristics by showing constant piezoresistance characteristics. In addition, this sensor can be easily installed without causing a weight increase or damage to the composite structure. It was verified that the sensor is capable of monitoring crack occurrences and propagation in a structure. (c) 2019 The Japan Society of Applied Physics