A composite material has a laminated structure of fiber-reinforced resin
layers and films of a shape-memory alloy. A predetermined strain has been
applied to each film. A damage sensor has a film of an alloy of nickel
and titanium. An electric circuit is bonded to the film, and strain gages
are connected to the electric circuit. The damage sensor can be laminated
to the resin layers in place of the film of the shape-memory alloy.
Damage to the composite material is suppressed as follows: A current is
applied to the films of the shape-memory alloy, to monitor change in
electric resistance of the films. The damage is located in response to
the change in electric resistance. Another current is applied to a film
of the shape-memory alloy for which the change is larger than the other
films to generate heat for deforming the film to generate shrinking
stress or shear stress to the damage.