Smart Coatings for the Assessment of Impact and Thermal Damage on Composites Navy SBIR FY2006.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2006.1 Topic No.: N06-039 Topic Title: Smart Coatings for the Assessment of Impact and Thermal Damage on Composites Proposal No.: N061-039-0189 Firm: Luna Innovations Incorporated 1703 S Jefferson Street, SW Suite 400 Roanoke, Virginia 24016 Contact: Bryan Koene Phone: (540) 552-5128 Web Site: www.lunainnovations.com Abstract: Luna Innovations is developing damage indicator paints for polymer matrix composites (PMCs) used as structural components in military and commercial aircraft. The complex structure of composites makes detection of cracks, flaws, and weak points within a structural component challenging. Composite damage resulting from impact or thermal events can be difficult to visually detect by personnel servicing the aircraft. Nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods can be effective but are also time consuming and expensive for frequent routine inspections. The damage indicator paint developed by Luna will allow aircraft inspection personnel to visually detect potential composite damage quickly in the field without the use of expensive equipment. Areas of damage highlighted by the paint can then be more closely inspected to determine needed repairs. This technology will help to prevent structural failure and will reduce the time and expense of instrumented NDE testing. Benefits: This technology can be applied as damage sensing paint in any fiber reinforced structures used in a variety of applications including commercial aircraft, armor, advanced vehicle power trains, off-shore drilling platforms, marine craft, and advanced sporting equipment. Parallel to this damage detection technology are commercial applications in self-healing and corrosion prevention materials. Return