Bio-Inspired Sensing using Optoelectronic Nanocomposites (BISON)

这项研究的目的是采用一种革命性的传感器设计范式，灵感来自植物/藻类的自然光合作用过程。利用光电纳米复合材料（BISON）传感平台的仿生传感利用特定波长的光或光子能量产生与结构应变直接相关的光电流，用于结构监测应用。该项目的第一阶段侧重于纳米复合材料的制造和基于实验室的传感性能表征。该研究的第二阶段将BISON涂层与逆空间映射算法集成在一起，以实现能够直接测量二维结构应变场的真正分布式传感器，而不是将其用作点传感器。在对传感器检测和监测非均匀应变场、裂缝和冲击损伤的能力进行实验验证后，第三阶段将重点放在大规模结构测试和现场验证上。研究成果将有可能在纳米复合材料、光电子学、传感器、逆算法和结构健康监测等领域推进技术现状和科学知识。BISON传感系统还可以提高民用基础设施的安全性，并推进基于状态的健康监测技术。详细的教育和推广计划也包括在内，以扩大代表性不足的学生的参与，而这项研究的成果将纳入当前和新的本科/研究生工程课程。

This objective of this research is to employ a revolutionary sensor design paradigm inspired by the natural photosynthesis process of plants/algae. The Bio-Inspired Sensing using Optoelectronic Nanocomposites (BISON) sensing platform utilizes specific wavelengths of light or photonic energy to generate photocurrent directly correlated to structural strain for structural monitoring applications. Phase I of this project focuses on nanocomposite fabrication and laboratory-based sensing performance characterization. Instead of using them as point sensors, Phase II of this research integrates the BISON coatings with an inverse spatial mapping algorithm for achieving a truly distributed sensor capable of directly measuring 2D structural strain fields. Upon experimental validation of the sensor's capabilities to detect and monitor non-uniform strain fields, cracks, and impact damage, Phase III focuses on large-scale structural testing and field validation.The research outcomes will have potential for advancing the technological state-of-art and scientific knowledge in areas such as nanocomposites, optoelectronics, sensors, inverse algorithms, and structural health monitoring. The BISON sensing system can also enhance civil infrastructure safety and advance condition-based health monitoring techniques. A detailed education and outreach plan is also included to broaden the participation of under-represented students, while the outcomes of this research will be incorporated in current and new undergrad/grad engineering courses.