Self actuation and vibration sensing using piezo patches and its application to structural health monitoring

Abstract

The experimental method to monitor the structural integrity using flexural wave propagations generated and monitored by the piezo patch is presented. When damage occurred on structures, the flexural wave propagation characteristics change on the damaged locations. To monitor this change, frequency dependent variation of the dynamic stiffness of structures is obtained from controlled vibration implemented by the piezo actuator and sensor. Using this change, the procedures to identify the location and size of damage is proposed. Its accuracy was validated through laboratory experiments. Piezo actuated vibration and its flexural wave propagation analysis allowed continued and precise health monitoring of the structures.