Patent ID: 11890852
Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
Field: Measurement (Instruments)
Classification: CPC B  G | IPC B  G

Claim 18:
19. A method for making a polymer-matrix fiber-reinforced composite structure, the structure comprising a plurality of layers each comprising a polymer-matrix composite, the plurality of layers comprising a first layer, wherein the first layer comprises a first polymer-matrix and a first fluorescent agent interspersed through the first polymer-matrix, the structure being configured such that damage to one of the layers results in a change in fluorescence observable from the at least first layer at the point of damage, the method comprising:
providing a polymer;
mixing the first fluorescent agent into the polymer to form a fluorescent-based polymer;
arranging a layup using the fluorescent-based polymer; and
making the polymer-matrix fiber-reinforced composite structure by curing or solidifying the layup;
wherein the first fluorescent agent is interspersed throughout the first polymer-matrix.