Abstract:
The development of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems, and integration in
our structures, became a necessity as it has proven to provide a robust and low-cost
solution for monitoring the structural integrity, and has a better ability to predict the
remaining life of structures. One of the most important aspects of SHM systems is the
design and implementation of sensor networks.
This study proposes a new hybrid approach for optimizing piezoelectric (PZT) wafers
on convex and non-convex structures. The developed model aims at minimizing the
number of wafer elements used while ensuring a high level of coverage within the
monitored area that is discretized into a set of control points. The model combines two
modes of communications (pitch-catch and pulse-echo) between actuator-sensor pairs,
ultimately to achieve the desired coverage with a reduced number of PZT elements.
The efficiency of the proposed model is demonstrated by simulating different
geometrical shapes. Significant improvement in the coverage, reaching 34.6%, of the
monitored area, was achieved when compared to the coverage provided by the
preliminary solutions. The combination of the two configurations of pitch-catch and
pulse-echo in the same model highly impacted the coverage in the blind zones (corners
and edges) where a single configuration may not be effective.
Experimental validation was carried out to evaluate the model accuracy in damage
localization within the optimized sensor networks. The results demonstrated the
proficiency of the model developed in distributing the PZT wafers on the tested
specimens.
Description:
Dr. Mustapha, Samir, Assistant Professors
Dr. Maddah, Bacel, Chairperson