Evaluation method for monitoring the effects of an impact on a structural composite material part

1. An evaluation method for monitoring consequences of an impact at low speed and force on a structural composite material part covered with a film that changes color when under pressure and whose color intensity is directly related to a received shock force, the method comprising:

calibrating a film by testing an impact on test parts covered in the film that are identical to a structural composite material part or on test tubes covered in the film, the test tubes being representative of the structural composite material part, to establish a link between a received shock force and a change in color in the film;

evaluating impacted areas of the test parts or test tubes using an appropriate qualification method selected from the group consisting of x-ray or ultrasound to correlate the change in color in the film and a nature and extent of any structural disturbance of subjacent layers of the impacted area; and

establishing a scale of correspondences enabling qualification against a limiting threshold for acceptance of the structural composite material part covered with the film.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the structural composite material part comprises a high-pressure gas or liquid tank usable for space launches, the structural composite material part comprising an impermeable internal metal or plastic layer upon which pre-engaged resin fibers are wound.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the film comprises a matrix with drowned microcapsules susceptible to breaking up under stress of a determined threshold of force.

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the structural composite material part comprises a high-pressure gas or liquid tank usable for space launches, the structural composite material part comprising an impermeable internal metal or plastic layer upon which pre-engaged resin fibers are wound.