In an embodiment, a system includes a turbomachine 10 having a first turbomachine component including a first mechanoluminescent material. The first turbomachine component is configured to produce a first light emission upon exposure to a mechanical stimulus sufficient to cause mechanoluminescence by the first mechanoluminescent material. The system also includes a turbomachine monitoring system 20 configured to monitor the structural health of the first component based on detection of the first light emission.