Integrated Sensor Durability and Reliability

Abstract

Significant progress has been made recently in the development of numerous integrated sensing approaches in support of structural health monitoring. To a large degree, however, many of these sensing approaches and methodologies are unproven in fielded, operational environments where the long‐term reliability of the sensors and associated hardware needs to be insured. In this article, some of the physical principles of integrated sensor durability and reliability are covered. In particular, the primary factors that can influence the performance and reliable output of an integrated sensing system are described. The aging, damage, and degradation of a sensing system are also covered. Several specific examples are given, including surface‐bonded piezoelectric sensor disks, direct‐write thermocouples, comparative vacuum sensors, and layered piezoelectric actuator/sensor networks. Lessons learned and opportunities for sensor durability/reliability improvement are also briefly covered.