Intelligent material systems and structures: The interface

Advanced composite laminates containing optical fibers as sensors and fibers of shape memory alloys as actuators have been produced. Production techniques which have been used are filament winding or hand lay-up together with autoclaving or pressing. The processing conditions have to be carefully chosen so as not to degrade the sensor or actuator properties. The influence of protective layers on the optical fibers and of the method for introducing the larger diameter sensor or actuator fibers into the laminates is demonstrated for composites with either a thermosetting or a thermoplastic matrix. The properties, which can be monitored by an optical fiber sensor in the matrix are fundamentally dependent on the interface and will be commented on.