• Composites Research
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.50-54
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• 2020

Soft robotics and wearable devices require large motions and flexibility. In this regard, there is a demand for developing stretchable strain sensors which can be attached to the soft robots and wearable devices. In this work, we fabricated stretchable and electrically conductive composite fibers by combining polyurethane (PU) and silver nanoflowers (AgNFs). The PU/AgNF composite fibers showed the change of the resistance as a function of the applied strain, demonstrating the potential for stretchable strain sensors in soft robotics and wearable devices. The mechanical and electrical characteristics of the composite fibers were measured and analyzed to use the composite fibers for stretchable strain sensors.

• Composites Research
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.15-24
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• 2004

Longitudinal strains (${\varepsilon}_x$) of the core and skin layers in glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) cross-ply composite laminates have been measured using the embedded optical fiber sensor of absolute extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometer (A-EFPI). Transmission optical microscopy was used to investigate the damage behavior around the A-EFPI sensor. Foil-type strain gauges bonded on both the upper and lower surfaces were used for the measurement of the surface strains. It was shown that values of ${\varepsilon}_x$ in the interior of the skin layer and the core layer measured by embedded A-EFPI sensor were significantly higher than that of the specimen surface measured by strain gauges. The experimental results agreed well with those from finite element analysis on the basis of uniform stress model. Large strains in the core layer led to the occurrence of many transverse cracks which drastically reduced the strain at failure of optical fiber sensor embedded in the core layer.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Nondestructive Testing
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2007

As fiber reinforced composite materials are widely used in aircraft, space structures and robot arms, the study on non-destructive testing methods has become an important research area for improving their reliability and safety. AE (acoustic emission) can evaluate the defects by detecting the emitting strain energy when elastic waves are generated by the initiation and growth of crack, plastic deformation, fiber breakage, matrix cleavage, or delamination. In the paper, AE signals generated under uniaxial tension were measured and analyzed using the $8{\times}8$ matrix piezo electric sensor. The electronic circuit to control the transmitting distance of AE signals was designed and constructed. The optical data storage system was also designed to store the AE signal of 64channels using LED (light emitting diode) elements. From the tests, it was shown that the source location and propagation path of AE signals in composite materials could be detected effectively by the $8{\times}8$ matrix piezo electric sensor.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.694-706
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• 2022

This study focusses on the development of a motion-sensing smart leggings prototype with the help of a module that monitors motion using a fiber-type stretch sensor. Additionally, it acquires data on Electrocardiogram (ECG), respiration, and body temperature signals, for the development of smart clothing used in online exercise coaching and customized healthcare systems. The research process was conducted in the following order: 1) Fabrication of a fiber-type elastic strain sensor for motion monitoring, 2) Positioning and attaching the sensor, 3) Pattern development and three-dimensional (3D) design, 4) Prototyping 5) Wearability test, and 6) Expert evaluation. The 3D design method was used to develop an aesthetic design, and for sensing accurate signal acquisition functions, wearability tests, and expert evaluation. As a result, first, the selection or manufacturing of an appropriate sensor for the function is of utmost importance. Second, the selection and attachment method of a location that can maximize the function of the sensor without interfering with any activity should be studied. Third, the signal line selection and connection method should be considered, and fourth, the aesthetic design should be reflected along with functional verification. In addition, the selection of an appropriate material is important, and tests for washability and durability must be made. This study presented a manufacturing method to improve the functionality and design of smart clothing, through the process of developing a prototype of motion-sensing smart leggings.