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Electronic Noses for Composites Surface Contamination Detection in Aerospace Industry
Saverio De Vito1, Maria Lucia Miglietta2, Ettore Massera3
1ENEA-Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, PV and Smart Network Division, C.R. ENEA Portici, P.le E. Fermi, 1, 80055 Portici, Italy. saverio.devito@enea.it.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 4, 2017
Summary
An electronic nose (e-nose) can detect and identify contaminants on Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) surfaces, crucial for ensuring the safety of bonded joints in green aircraft. This non-destructive testing method offers a low-cost solution for quality assurance in aerospace.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Aerospace Engineering
- Sensor Technology
Background:
- Adhesive bonding of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) is vital for green aircraft design, but quality assurance is limited.
- Surface contamination on CFRP panels can significantly degrade bonding and mechanical properties of joints.
- Current inspection methods may not adequately address pre-bonding surface integrity in critical aerospace structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an electronic nose (e-nose) system for non-destructive detection, identification, and quantification of contaminants on CFRP surfaces.
- To assess the suitability of e-nose technology for high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) aerospace applications.
- To establish reliable pattern recognition systems for rapid contamination assessment in pre-bonding inspections.
Main Methods:
- Screening of various sensors and sampling architectures for optimal e-nose performance.
- Development of ad-hoc pattern recognition systems, including real-time classifiers and rejection options.
- Testing the e-nose system for its capability to detect, identify, and quantify surface contaminants on CFRP.
Main Results:
- The developed e-nose system demonstrated effectiveness in detecting, identifying, and quantifying contaminants on CFRP surfaces.
- Pattern recognition systems provided fast and reliable assessment of contamination status.
- The e-nose technology proved suitable for high TRL scenarios in aerospace assembly and maintenance.
Conclusions:
- Electronic noses represent a promising low-cost, non-destructive testing (NDT) tool for pre-bonding CFRP surface inspection in the aerospace industry.
- The e-nose system can enhance quality assurance procedures for bonded assemblies in green aircraft.
- This technology can contribute to improved safety and reliability in aerospace manufacturing and maintenance.