Overview

The ISIMON project focuses on developing the next generation of smart, self-sensing fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) vessels for high-pressure hydrogen storage. These structures are designed not only to store hydrogen safely, but also to monitor their structural condition throughout manufacturing and operation.

At the core of the ISIMON concept are nanocomposite (NC)-based sensors that are permanently integrated into the FRP structure during manufacturing. The integrated sensors enable real-time measurements during fabrication and continuous structural health monitoring throughout operation.

Project Objectives

ISIMON aims to develop and demonstrate an integrated sensing concept for fibre-reinforced composite structures that enables monitoring from the manufacturing stage through the operational lifetime of the component.

• Development of carbon-nanomaterial-based sensors for integration into fibre-reinforced polymer structures.
• Integration of the sensors during composite manufacturing.
• Real-time monitoring of structural behaviour during fabrication and operation.
• Early detection and assessment of structural damage.
• Improvement of the safety, reliability and long-term performance of high-pressure composite vessels.
• Support for more material-efficient and optimised composite structures.

Technical Approach

The project combines sensor technology, composite manufacturing, modelling, simulation and machine learning. The integrated nanocomposite sensors provide information about the structural response of the composite during manufacturing and subsequent operation.

Advanced modelling and simulation methods are used to support optimisation of the vessel design. In parallel, topology optimisation is investigated to reduce material consumption without compromising structural strength. Machine-learning-based methods support the interpretation of sensor data, early damage detection and long-term structural performance assessment.

Expected Results and Impact

By combining integrated sensing with advanced data analysis and structural optimisation, ISIMON is expected to contribute to improved safety, reliability and structural awareness of fibre-reinforced composite pressure vessels.

Continuous monitoring can support earlier identification of structural changes and damage, reduce unnecessary inspection and maintenance, and provide a better understanding of the behaviour of composite structures throughout their service life.

The developed technologies have potential applications in automotive, aeronautics and aerospace systems, particularly where lightweight composite structures and reliable high-pressure hydrogen storage are required.

Project Funding

In 2024, the ISIMON project, In-situ Structural Health Monitoring of Functional Composite Structures by Truly-Integrated Carbon Nanomaterial-Based Sensors , received national funding support from the Saxon State Ministry for Science, Culture and Tourism (SMWK) in Germany, VINNOVA in Sweden and the Latvian Council of Science in Latvia.