Sensing and healing of disbond in composite stiffened panel using hierarchical system

Our previous study proposed a hierarchical sensing–healing system combining a microvascular self-healing material and a fluid distribution system with local pressure monitoring. This study demonstrated the hierarchical system in a structural composite element. First, the overview of the system was given for the sake of the completeness and the technical merits were discussed. Next, double cantilever beam (DCB) tests were conducted to confirm the system’s feasibility. Finally, the sensing/healing performance was evaluated using a compression after impact (CAI) test of a composite stiffened panel. Even though further optimization of the healing resin and the microvascular channel network is necessary, the hierarchical system restored the structural stability of the damaged panel and recovered the degraded strength, confirming the high potential of the hierarchical system under practical conditions.