The Axalp Technologies team has been moving forward with testing activities for collaborative iSurface intelligent composite materia, a structural health monitoring (SHM) solution designed to barely visible impact damage (BVID) with MUNRO TECHNOLOGY LIMITED, Z Prime, and University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNW. The system embeds electrically functionalized sensing capability directly into composite structures, enabling real-time detection of impact events.

Recent testing involved a representative composite vertical tail structure, where sensor signals were captured and analyzed under varied impact loads across the surface. The trials validated the material s ability to detect, localize, and quantify impact forces, a critical requirement for addressing hidden damage in composite aerostructures.

Composites used in aerospace are particularly susceptible to low-velocity impacts from foreign object debris (FOD), which often result in internal damage without visible surface indicators. The iSurface material functions as an embedded early warning system, reducing the risk of undetected structural degradation and potential failure.

The next phase of development will focus on automated impact testing, enabling generation of large, repeatable datasets to refine signal interpretation and improve predictive accuracy.

The iSurface initiative is part of an Anglo-Swiss research program, co-funded by Innosuisse and Innovate UK, targeting commercialization of intelligent composite materials for aerospace and adjacent sectors.