iSurface-enabled leading edge

Composites are prone to damage by low velocity impacts that can cause hard to detect, barely visible impact damage (BVID). iSurface enables embedded early warning system significantly reduces risk of catastrophic failure of aviation parts such as wings’ leading edges, propeller blades and other structures close to the ground and subject to Foreign Object Debris (FOD) impact.

The new iSurface material is functionalised and has electric properties that not only strengthens composite structures but also generates clean, classifiable and interpretable signals. These sensed signals can declare the sum of energy and its location of the surface upon impact, bending and shearing events. The generated signals are linked to an advanced and novel material state AI-driven modelling diagnostics and prognostics.