Application of Piezoelectric Technology in Nondestructive Testing of Wooden Pallets for Falling Damage Prediction

Abstract

The wooden pallet can easily suffer fractures during storage and transportation, shortening its service life. This study aimed to develop a nondestructive testing method based on the piezoelectric effect for damage detection of wooden pallets by a simulated drop test of the pallet. It was found that piezoelectric signal peak for wooden pallets decreases with increasing number of falls. Signal rebounded post-damage and the rebounding amplitude depended on the damage degree. Both temperature and moisture content have significant effects on the detection results of falling damage. The degree of falling damage of the wooden pallet can be detected through piezoelectric measurement, and the maximum life of the wooden pallet can be predicted using the handling activity of logistics. The structure of wooden pallets under normal temperature and air-dry conditions was relatively stable, whereas lowering the temperature or enhancing the moisture content could accelerate the damage to wooden pallets in use.