Damage detection in beam-like structures with periodic elements: electromechanical impedance combined with wave propagation

• Grant number: 21/12008-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: May 01, 2023
• End date: July 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Mechanics of Solids
• Principal Investigator: Douglas Domingues Bueno
• Grantee: Lorena Lopes Dias
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia (FEIS). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Ilha Solteira. Ilha Solteira , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 18/15894-0 - Periodic structure design and optimization for enhanced vibroacoustic performance: ENVIBRO, AP.TEM

Abstract

Operation requirements in mechanical systems have generated an increasing need to design structures with high performance. In particular, periodic structures have been designed for different applications, including a focus on vibration reduction. On the other hand, the scientific community has dedicated important efforts to develop techniques for structural health monitoring, especially aiming to detect damage in its early stages, in order to minimize the impacts of mechanical failures can generate. Thus, the present research comprises the development of a technique for monitoring a structure with periodically distributed elements. Such elements are arranged to generate geometric asymmetry in a beam-like structure. The strategy is to combine the electromechanical impedance technique with longitudinal and flexural wave propagation analysis to compose a more efficient damage detection index compared to the results of each of the approaches applied separately. The influence of different environmental temperatures is considered to reduce a number of false alarms in damage detection. Asymmetric damage is considered, as well piezoelectric actuators and sensors to obtain the electromechanical impedance and capture transmitted and reflected waves in the damaged structure. The research includes computer simulations in a Python environment, and experimental tests to demonstrate the developed methodology. The result of the research will have potential to contribute to damage detection in periodic structures. (AU)