Tribolumininescence and its Application to Space-Based Damage Sensors

Abstract

The emission of light due to crystal fracture from triboluminescence is a phenomenon that has been known for centuries. Preliminary testing has been performed using ZnS:Mn in a specially constructed drop tower. For these tests a 0.13 kg spherical mass was dropped from various heights in air, and the emission intensity was measured. Through the use of specific fluor material, it is believed that sensors can be developed that will indicate the occurrence of an impact and its location. To apply triboluminescence as a damage sensor, it would need to be incorporated into some type of smart material or coating. This combination would need to have a phosphor suspended and evenly distributed in a resin that would then cover a grid of optical fiber. The optical fibers would be used to capture the emitted light and transmit it to a series of detectors. Through the careful monitoring of the detectors, the entire exterior of a spacecraft could be a passive sensor that can locate and determine the impact velocity or energy of a debris strike. Through the development process, other uses of the system will no doubt be generated.