Integral acoustic emission sensor for manufacturing processes and mechanical components
AssigneeRegents of the University of Minnesota
InventorsSubbiah Ramalingam, Darrell A. Frohrib
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Abstract
An acoustic emission sensor comprising a piezoelectric material that is integral with a tooling or machine element in which acoustic emissions are to be sensed.
Claims13
An acoustic emission sensor for sensing acoustic emissions from a machine element having a first edge which engages another part comprising a thin film piezoelectric material sensor deposited in a layer which is in integral atomic level bonding coupling with a surface of the machyine element after depositing without substantial mass to supporting the thin film piezoelectric layer, the thin film layer being selected to sense emission in the acoustic range and defined by a periphery which is adjacent but spaced from the edge of the machine element;
- and conductor means coupled to said piezoelectric sensor and to the machine element for sensing outputs in the acoustic emission range generated in said piezoelectric material sensor.
In combination, a machine tooling element and an acoustic emission sensor for sensing acoustic emissions in the machine tooling element comprising tooling element, a piezoelectric material deposited directly onto a surface of the tooling element in a layer which is in integral contact with the tooling element and of a thickness to respond with voltage changes when subjected to acoustic emissions;
- and means coupled to opposite spaced surfaces of said layer for sensing voltage outputs caused by signals in the acoustic emission range generated in said piezoelectric material layer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.