Relaxation modulus sensor, structure incorporating same, and method for use of same

A sensor for measuring relaxation modulus in a test material, comprising:

• a frame having an opening therethrough;
• a driver mounted within the opening of the frame, wherein the driver comprises a smart material;
• a first sensing device in communication with the driver;
• and
• a second sensing device disposed within a gap between the driver and the frame.

A sensor for measuring relaxation modulus in a test material, comprising:

• a frame having an opening therethrough;
• a driver mounted within the opening of the frame, the driver comprising a plurality of twisted shape metal alloy wires;
• a first sensing device in communication with the driver;
• and
• a second sensing device disposed within a gap between the driver and the frame.

A sensor for measuring relaxation modulus in a test material, comprising:

• a frame having an opening therethrough;
• a driver mounted within the opening of the frame, the driver comprising one of an electric motor, an electric solenoid, a hydraulic solenoid, a hydraulic cylinder, and a gas operated cylinder;
• a first sensing device in communication with the driver;
• and
• a second sensing device disposed within a gap between the driver and the frame, the second sensing device comprising a pressure sensor.

A method for measuring relaxation modulus in a test material comprising:

• providing a sensor comprising at least one driver including a movable element;
• embedding the sensor in the test material;
• actuating the at least one driver including the movable element with as a stimulus to create a stress in the test material, wherein creating the stress in the material comprises applying a force in one of tension, compression, torsion, and a combination thereof to the test material;
• and
• sensing the stress in the test material.

A method for measuring relaxation modulus in a test material comprising:

• providing a sensor comprising at least one deformable driver;
• embedding the sensor in the test material;
• actuating the at least one deformable driver with a stimulus to create a stress in the test material,
• wherein creating the stress in the test material comprises applying a force in one of tension, compression and torsion to the test material;
• and
• sensing the stress in the test material.

A sensor for measuring relaxation modulus in a test material, comprising:

• a frame having an opening therethrough;
• a driver located in the frame comprising a movable element embedded in the test material for deforming the test material, the driver comprising one of an electric motor, an electric solenoid, a hydraulic solenoid, a hydraulic cylinder, a gas operated cylinder, and a plurality of twisted shape metal alloy wires;
• a first sensing device in communication with the test material embedded in the test material;
• and
• a second sensing device embedded in the test material.

A rocket motor, comprising:

• a propellant;
• a liner at least partially surrounding the propellant;
• and
• a sensor substantially embedded in the liner, the sensor comprising:
• a frame having an opening therethrough;
• a driver mounted within the opening of the frame;
• a first sensing device in communication with the driver;
• and
• a second sensing device disposed within a gap formed between the driver and the frame.