Piezoelectric Materials and Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring: Fundamental Aspects, Current Status, and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Structural health monitoring technology can assess the status and integrity of structures in real time by advanced sensors, evaluate the remaining life of structure, and make the maintenance decisions on the structures. Piezoelectric materials, which can yield electrical output in response to mechanical strain/stress, are at the heart of structural health monitoring. Here, we present an overview of the recent progress in piezoelectric materials and sensors for structural health monitoring. The article commences with a brief introduction of the fundamental physical science of piezoelectric effect. Emphases are placed on the piezoelectric materials engineered by various strategies and the applications of piezoelectric sensors for structural health monitoring. Finally, challenges along with opportunities for future research and development of high-performance piezoelectric materials and sensors for structural health monitoring are highlighted.

Feasibility of in-situ health monitoring for composite structure with embedded piezoelectric sensor networks

“…This task can be done by active sensing techniques such as guided waves [8], fiber optic techniques [9,10], electro-mechanical impedance [11], acoustic emission [12,13], or passive techniques which such as strain sensor [14] or stress-induced voltages from piezoelectric sensors [15]. Amongst them, piezoelectric-based sensing techniques have received huge attention in the field of SHM by both active and passive methods, as well as by different interfacing methods between the sensor and the host structure [16,17]. Piezoelectric sensor embedding is one of the popular techniques used for SHM due to their advantage in high-temperature resistance [18] and immunity to electromagnetic interference.…”

A Lamb-wave based SHM for multi-damage localizations in large composite plates by using piezoelectric transducer array

“…The Lamb-wave based structural health monitoring (SHM) has attracted attentions in the recent years as it has been applicable in variety of engineering fields, such as aerospace, civil engineering, etc [1,2]. Comparing to non-destructive inspection (NDI), the sensors are integrated with or mounted on structures in SHM for real time monitoring.…”

Multi-location fault detection with piezoelectric arrays and multi-task CNN learning

“…6 This reliance on numerous sensors for extended monitoring poses challenges, such as unwanted wired connections, especially in severe environments like wind turbines on high towers. Thus, the utilization of wireless sensors powered by vibration-based piezoelectric energy harvesters [7][8][9][10][11][12] presents a promising solution. In addition, significant research efforts have been directed towards the development of self-powered sensors using piezoelectric transducers in recent years.…”