US 7,458,266 B2 · Method and apparatus for detecting a load change upon a structure and analyzing characteristics of resulting damage

Abstract

A sensor network is attached to a structure and employed to detect and analyze load changes. The sensor network has transducers, capable of acting as both passive sensors and active actuators, integrated within it. In a passive mode, the transducers detect load changes upon the structure, such as impacts. Upon detection of a load change, the transducers are engaged in an active mode to actively scan the impact area to determine the location and size of any resulting damage region. In this manner, passive and active systems are integrated within a single, convenient layer that possesses the best features of both active systems and passive systems.

Claims41

Dependent claims

A structural health monitoring system, comprising:

a plurality of passive sensors coupled to a structure;
a plurality of actuators coupled to the structure;
and
a controller in electrical communication with the plurality of passive sensors and the plurality of actuators, the controller configured to receive from the plurality of passive sensors an indication of a load change generating a damage region on a structure, the damage region having a location and a size, the controller further configured to direct the plurality of actuators to transmit stress waves through the structure in response to the indication of a load change, so as to determine the location and the size of the damage region.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method and apparatus for detecting a load change upon a structure and analyzing characteristics of resulting damage

Life of this patent

Method and apparatus for detecting a load change upon a structure and analyzing characteristics of resulting damage

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims41