Triboluminescence (TL) is a mechanical and luminescent phenomena enabling damage sensing capabilities in materials. Depending on material compound, various excitation mechanisms result in emissions stimulated by rubbing or fracture, and give an indication of internal stress. Design of Experiments helped ascertain experimental knowledge of the multiphase composite system containing ZnS:Mn phosphors (0 - 40%) and vinyl ester resin (VER). This statistical approach proffered an empirical model used to validate triboluminescent production. Data shows concentration compiled with impact energy has a significant effect on the luminous intensity. Light intensity was measured by a photomultiplier tube and a photo-voltaic detector. The signal intensity range was determined for each. The photovoltaic detector acts as a low-light sensor in the range of 0.61 - 0.116 A for impacts less than 0.4 J. Microscopy revealed plates with reasonable dispersion and view of micro-structural inclusions. DMA indicates the inclusion of ZnS:Mn produces a moderate change in Young's modulus and thermo-kinetic properties.

Date Published: 13 April 2011
PDF: 13 pages
Proc. SPIE 7981, Sensors and Smart Structures Technologies for Civil, Mechanical, and Aerospace Systems 2011, 79810J (13 April 2011); doi: 10.1117/12.880536

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 7981:
Sensors and Smart Structures Technologies for Civil, Mechanical, and Aerospace Systems 2011
Masayoshi Tomizuka, Editor(s)