Structural health monitoring (SHM) using direct-write transducers is an emerging technology wherein the piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers are directly produced on the structures using scalable in situ processing method. In contrast to implementation of discrete piezoelectric transducers by manual installation as in existing SHM technologies, the direct-write transducer technology is promising for achieving the long-envisioned smart structures with self-diagnostic function, with the advantages of improved reliability, lowered cost, minimized weight and lowered profile. In this work, direct-write piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers were designed and fabricated near fastener holes in aluminum structures for evaluating the feasibility of monitoring the structural integrity around the holes. Notches and fatigue crack were produced from the holes, and the ability of detecting the notches and crack using the direct-write transducers was investigated by comparing the ultrasonic signals and evaluating appropriate damage indexes related to ultrasonic energy. The results and analyses show the potential of applying direct-write ultrasonic transducers for SHM around fastener holes.
Experimental and analytical methods were used to study heating techniques for infrared thermography inspection of superplastic formed/diffusion bonded (SPFIDB) structural components. Various thermal loads were investigated to determine the parameters required for highest flaw detection sensitivity. Finite element analysis was used to determine optimal heating techniques. According to the analysis, short burst, high intensity heating on the inspection side of the part is required for the highest flaw detection sensitivity. The analytical results were verified using an infrared camera and heat lamps to detect unbonds in four-sheet SPF/DB panels. Good quantitative agreement between the analysis and laboratory experiments was obtained.
The purpose of this paper is to present an embedded MEMs fluid sensing embedded detection system that incorporates new nondestructive inspection (NDI) sensors for the advancement of diagnostics, prognostics, and health management of complex aircraft system and hardware. With the advent of MEMS NDI sensors, it is now possible to embed these sensors for detection of fuel leaks, moisture intrusion, hydraulic fluid leaks and pressure loss across all aircraft environments. This new NDI embedded detection technology can be used to validate and improve (SHM) Structural Health Management, and integrates concepts and hardware from MEMS and nano-optical technology with spectrometers and microfluidic and wireless capabilities. This paper highlights nano-inspection MEMS Device (NIMD) concepts and their application to SHM system development. 1 2
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.