The technology organisation has developed a process called SurFlow in which surface electromagnetic waves carry information and claims that data cannot be intercepted remotely.
Essentially, SurFlow comprises a substrate made of dielectric and conductive materials. Data is said to be propagated and received using transducers which can be placed anywhere along the smart composite.
Citing automotive as a potential application, TWI says its technology could reduce the complexity of in vehicle communications ‘significantly’. Other applications could include real time composite monitoring, in which subtle changes in the waveform could identify damage to a smart composite component.
