The InHeatPro system will comprise of a ‘smart-patch’ that incorporate a network of magnetostrictive elements. These elements will provide the following functionalities transforming a ‘patch’ to a ‘smart-patch’.
- Serve as susceptors for a highly efficient inductive heating / cure process
- Can act as strain gauges to monitor residual stress due to the cure process
- Are able to both transmit and receive Lamb waves in order to detect voids, debonds and crack propagation in the substrate
Unlike Fibre Bragg Gratings, the equipment to perform the patch cure and condition monitoring is relatively simple and low cost. The 'smart-patch' will allow rapid repair and turn-around of aircraft under field conditions.
