Carbon nanotube-based sensor and method for detection of crack growth in a structure
US7278324B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 15, 2005 |
| Grant date | Oct 9, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 15, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S977/742
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A sensor has a plurality of carbon nanotube (CNT)-based conductors operatively positioned on a substrate. The conductors are arranged side-by-side, such as in a substantially parallel relationship to one another. At least one pair of spaced-apart electrodes is coupled to opposing ends of the conductors. A portion of each of the conductors spanning between each pair of electrodes comprises a plurality of carbon nanotubes arranged end-to-end and substantially aligned along an axis. Because a direct correlation exists between the resistance of a carbon nanotube and its strain, changes experienced by the portion of the structure to which the sensor is coupled induce a corresponding change in the electrical properties of the conductors, thereby enabling detection of crack growth in the structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.