Abstract

Nowadays, low-cost sensors and acquisition devices have been emerging as an obvious solution to many innovative applications such as Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems. In this paper, issues regarding dynamic data acquisition, as well as their respective solutions, are presented. Moreover, a comprehensive description through-out an inexpensive sensor network system using opensource hardware for a real-time acceleration data acquisition has been presented. The platform consists of an accelerometer, an Arduino board, and a computer as a data recorder and presenter. Data is recorded through an efficient microcontroller code that can provide a considerable reading frequency (up to 300Hz). Using Python, instant acceleration recording for all the three axes has been done. It is shown how the performance of the proposed system is efficient for the field of SHM systems.

Abstract

Structural Health Monitoring has become one of the next challenges in the aeronautical industry in order to know the real-time status of structures and optimize their maintenance. The use of Lamb Waves for damage detection is proven; however, its effectiveness is affected by the boundary conditions in which the structure is located. To counteract this effect, it is essential to model its behavior in different environmental and operating conditions to ensure the correct detection of variations in the structure during its service life. This work presents the characterization of the Lamb wave behavior for a composite UAV supporting surface. By applying different load and temperature conditions to the structure, different conditions of the structure during flight will be simulated. The results obtained for the newly fabricated structure will be compared with the results obtained for the same structure damaged by impact. And finally, the main effects produced on the signal (arrival time, amplitude...) will be analyzed; and how they can simulate the presence of a damage that has not occurred (false positive) or camouflage the presence of existing damage (false negative).

Abstract

Abstract

The Center for Hydrodynamic Research of El Pardo (ICTS-CEHIPAR) is a Unique Scientific and Technical Infrastructure (ICTS) part of the Deputy Directorate of Naval Systems (SGSN) of the National Institute of Aerospace Technique “Esteban Terradas” (INTA). A new research line to study the use of advanced composite materials in the naval industry has been recently opened in the Technology and Tests Department of ICTS-CEHIPAR. One of the main goals of this new research line is the monitoring of structural stresses in composite materials by means of fiber optical sensors in structural diffraction Fibers Bragg Gratings (FBGS). ICTS-CEHIPAR is enhancing the constructive procedures for the production of models of ships and naval devices made in composite materials. The implementation of instrumentation techniques for the monitoring of structural stresses in this kind of materials is necessary to detect possible damage due to different causes during the product lifetime. Results of scale model tests will be applied to the full scale ship construction and instrumentation methodologies, increasing ship safety and optimizing maintenance procedures.