To ensure the reliability of the diagnosis, the on-board components must be able to survive the operational load of the host structure and their functionality must last during the service life of the structure. If a part of the on-board SHM system becomes redundant, they must be repairable and/or replaceable. To address these requirements, our team have developed an SHM diagnostic film, including a novel installation strategy which ensures the reliability of the diagnosis during the operational life time of the smart structure. If part of the on-board system (sensors, wires, connectors) becomes redundant, the system can notify the user to replace or repair the diagnostic film. The integrity tests which have been carried out include both mechanical fatigue and environmental conditioning. The diagnostic film, as well as the installation survived the combination of the tests and did not show any permanent change in the transducer response.

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