Predictive Methodologies for the Design of Lamb-Wave Piezoelectric Wafer Active Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring, Damage Detection and Failure Prevention

University South Carolina Research Foundation, Columbia SC

Investigators

Abstract

0408578 PI: Victor Giurgiutiu Univ South Carolina This proposal deals with structural health monitoring with active sensors. The particular type of sensors considered is the piezoelectric wafer active sensors (PWAS). The proposed study addresses fundamental aspects of the Lamb-wave interaction between the PWAS transducers and the host structure. The objective is to develop a predictive methodologies for optimum design of such sensors. Three main issues are included: 1. Micromechanical coupling for various Lamb modes, 2. Lamb-wave tuning with broadband PWAS transducers, and 3. in-situ immittance pf PWAS transducers and optimal power flow. A well-balanced educational enhancement component is embedded in this research project.