Transforming Composites: Testimonials from Experts

“We consider the MicroWire sensors from RVmagnetics to be a highly promising and valuable addition to the Testia sensor catalogue.“

“I have been writing about RVmagnetics’ MicroWire technology since 2020. However, I was already familiar with magnetic microwires’ capability to measure temperature inside composites and bondlines. Proven in a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program with the U.S. Air Force, this earlier generation of microwire sensors, 254 micrometers in diameter (comprising multiple 30-micrometer microwires) and 32 millimeters long, successfully measured temperature while embedded beneath more than 25 millimeters (1 inch) of CFRP laminate. In lap shear tests, results were indistinguishable between coupons with and without these embedded microwire sensors in the adhesive bondline.

This ability to place into a composite laminate or bondline an accurate sensor that does not create a flaw or FOD, and being interrogated without contact is revolutionary. But RVmagnetics has gone on to expand what this technology can do, including use not just for measuring temperature, but also pressure, torque, stress, bending, vibration, and fluid flow and many other applications, including structural health monitoring (SHM). Being able to get rid of thermocouples and really know what temperature has been seen in a bondline, weldline, or complex section within a composite has such a huge benefit. Being able to embed a microwire for SHM and not having composite for interrogating a fiber optic with light is also huge. Microwires have the ability to truly disrupt inline process monitoring and digital twins for composite structures.

I look forward to RVmagnetics’ continued advances in this technology and what they will develop in the future. I am also eager to see more companies take advantage of the capabilities already proven, providing the data and quality assurance we need to succeed in the next generation of composites.”