Condition monitoring of a morphing laminate with MFC piezoelectric patches via model-based approach

The paper deals with theoretical and experimental studies for the development of model-based condition-monitoring algorithms of composite laminates equipped with piezoelectric Macro-Fiber Composite patches. Starting from the experimental characterisation of the integrated system response, a nonlinear dynamic model of the laminate is presented, and then validated with reference to different types of experiments. The validated model is used to develop the condition-monitoring algorithm, and the monitoring technique is finally characterised in terms of false alarms rejection and vulnerability to dormant faults, by simulating a set of Built-In Tests performed during the maintenance operations.