СПОСОБ АНАЛИЗА ПОВЕРХНОСТИ РАЗРЫВА ДЕТАЛИ ТУРБОМАШИНЫ

Изобретение относится к анализу поверхности разрыва или трещины металлической детали турбомашины. Представлен способ анализа поверхности разрыва или трещины металлической детали турбомашины, при котором указанная поверхность соответствует плоскости разрыва или плоскости трещинообразования перед открытием в лаборатории для треснувшей, но не разорванной детали, включающий по меньшей мере один из следующих этапов, на которых: а) определяют на поверхности положение и ориентацию граней спайности, чтобы идентифицировать зону начала разрыва или трещины и определить направление распространения этого разрыва или трещины, b) исследуют поверхность и выявляют зоны присутствия равноосных зерен и/или пластинчатых зерен, чтобы оценить температуру, при которой произошел разрыв или трещина, и с) сравнивают цвет или цвета побежалости поверхности с цветами побежалости образцов из альбома цветов побежалости, причем эти образцы выполнены из такого же материала, что и деталь, и были подвергнуты окисляющим термическим ...

СИСТЕМА И СПОСОБ ИЗМЕРЕНИЯ УСТАЛОСТИ ДЛЯ МЕХАНИЧЕСКИХ ДЕТАЛЕЙ ЛЕТАТЕЛЬНОГО АППАРАТА И СПОСОБ ТЕХНИЧЕСКОГО ОБСЛУЖИВАНИЯ ЛЕТАТЕЛЬНОГО АППАРАТА

Изобретение относится к системе и способу измерения усталости для механических деталей летательного аппарата, например самолета, а также к способу технического обслуживания летательного аппарата. Система измерения общего усталостного повреждения детали (7, 8, P, P', 9a, 6') летательного аппарата, подвергающейся механическим напряжениям, содержащая множество датчиков (Ci) напряжений, установленных на детали (7, 8, P, P', 9a, 6'), при этом каждый датчик выполнен с возможностью обнаружения заранее определенного порога (S(Ci)) механического напряжения и с возможностью выдачи сигнала (Si) данных, отражающего превышение этого порога (S(Ci)); система содержит средства (11) регистрации этих данных, и датчики (Ci) выполнены с возможностью обнаружения отличных друг от друга и дискретных порогов (S(Ci)), что позволяет на основании данных, зарегистрированных системой, вычислять оценку усталости детали (7, 8, P, P', 9a, 6'), связанной с рассматриваемым механическим напряжением. Технический результат ...

КОНТРОЛИРУЕМОЕ СОЕДИНЕНИЕ КОМПОНЕНТОВ, ВЕТРОЭНЕРГЕТИЧЕСКАЯ УСТАНОВКА, СПОСОБ МОНИТОРИНГА СОЕДИНЕНИЯ КОМПОНЕНТОВ ДЛЯ ОБНАРУЖЕНИЯ НЕЖЕЛАТЕЛЬНОГО ОТСОЕДИНЕНИЯ СОЕДИНЕННОГО КОМПОНЕНТА

Изобретение относится к контролируемому соединению компонентов, ветроэнергетической установке, имеющей такое соединение, и способу мониторинга соединения компонентов. Контролируемое соединение компонентов содержит первый компонент, образующий удерживаемую деталь, второй компонент, образующий принимающую деталь, и соединительную деталь, которая удерживает второй компонент и первый компонент в соединенном состоянии, в котором соединительная деталь находится в зацеплении внутри соединительного принимающего средства в принимающей детали. Для мониторинга нежелательного ослабления соединения соединенных компонентов на соединительное принимающее средство можно воздействовать испытательным давлением и испытательное давление можно отслеживать для определения вызванного дефектом отклонения, которое достаточно, чтобы указывать на ослабление соединения соединенных компонентов. Изобретение направлено на исключение ослабления соединения соединенных компонентов. 5 н. и 24 з.п. ф-лы, 12 ил.

ИЗМЕРИТЕЛЬНАЯ СИСТЕМА И СПОСОБ ИЗМЕРЕНИЯ ИЗМЕНЕНИЙ СВОЙСТВ МАТЕРИАЛА

Изобретение относится к сенсорной системе и к способу распознавания. Техническим результатом является возможность непрерывного контроля свойств материала, имеющего матричную структуру, а также возможность использования физических эффектов для контроля. Технический результат достигается благодаря тому, что сенсорная система содержит материал, имеющий матричную структуру, в которую внедрено множество сенсорных элементов, электронное распределение в которых и/или свойства, определяющие подвижность носителей заряда, изменяются в зависимости от изменения физических или химических свойств материала. Система по изобретению содержит также приемник, снабженный антенной и выполненный с возможностью приема исходного радиочастотного (РЧ) сигнала и возвращенного РЧ сигнала, поступающего от указанного материала. Изменения электронного распределения и/или свойств, определяющих мобильность носителей заряда в сенсорных элементах, приводят к изменению исходного РЧ сигнала, так что по возвращенному РЧ сигналу ...

ФИТИНГ ДЛЯ ТРУБЫ С ДАТЧИКОМ

Изобретение относится к фитингу для текучей среды, который механически прикреплен к трубе. Фитинг включает соединительный корпус, имеющий внутреннюю поверхность, образующую отверстие для приема трубы в нем, кольцо, расположенное для установки поверх по меньшей мере одного конца соединительного корпуса для механического присоединения соединительного корпуса к трубе, и основное уплотнение, образованное на внутренней поверхности соединительного корпуса, для зацепления с трубой. При установке, кольцо и соединительный корпус прикладывают сжимающее усилие к основному уплотнению, достаточное для того, чтобы прикрепить трубу к соединительному корпусу, в некотором смысле, без утечки. Электрически управляемое сенсорное устройство закреплено к поверхности одного из соединительного корпуса или кольца, которое, когда кольцо установлено на соединительном корпусе, создает электрический параметр в ответ на физическое перемещение соединительного корпуса или кольца, к которому сенсорное устройство прикреплено ...

УСТРОЙСТВО И СПОСОБ АВАРИЙНОЙ СИГНАЛИЗАЦИИ ПРЯМОГО ВЕЩАНИЯ

... 1. Устройство аварийной сигнализации прямого вещания для защиты от столкновений с обломками и т.п., находящимися в атмосфере Земли или в космическом пространстве, содержащее:- удерживающую конструкцию, установленную снаружи или внутри корпуса летательного аппарата, космического транспортного средства или летающего объекта в общем, который перемещается в атмосфере или космическом пространстве, в которой размещены средства (10) обнаружения, которые выполнены с возможностью контроля выброса обломков и т.п., поступающих из упомянутого корпуса после его взрыва и/или абляции, которые рассеиваются в опасном пространстве (2), и/или выполнены с возможностью контроля условий, которые относятся к упомянутому взрыву и/или абляции, и с возможностью обнаружения признаков упомянутого опасного пространства (2),- обрабатывающий блок (11), размещенный в упомянутой удерживающей конструкции, соединенный с упомянутыми средствами (10) обнаружения для обработки упомянутых признаков для того, чтобы определять ...

МОНИТОРИНГ ИНФРАСТРУКТУРЫ ТРАНСПОРТНОЙ СЕТИ

... 1. Способ мониторинга состояния конструкции, образующей часть транспортной сети, содержащий этапы, на которыхосуществляют распределенное акустическое зондирование на одном или нескольких оптических волокнах, размещенных так, чтобы осуществлять мониторинг упомянутой конструкции, для выдачи сигнала измерения из каждого из множества акустических чувствительных элементов;анализируют сигналы измерения, генерируемые от движения транспорта по транспортной сети вблизи упомянутой конструкции, для выявления акустических сигналов, связанных с упомянутой конструкцией; ианализируют акустические сигналы, связанные с упомянутой конструкцией, для обеспечения индикации любых изменений в состоянии упомянутой конструкции.2. Способ по п. 1, в котором при анализе акустических сигналов, связанных с упомянутой конструкцией, сравнивают упомянутые акустические сигналы с ранее полученными акустическими сигналами.3. Способ по п. 1 или 2, в котором при анализе акустических сигналов, связанных с упомянутой конструкцией ...

УСТРОЙСТВО ОПТИЧЕСКОГО МОНИТОРИНГА ДЛЯ МОНИТОРИНГА ЗНАЧЕНИЯ КРИВИЗНЫ ГИБКОГО МЕДИЦИНСКОГО ИНСТРУМЕНТА

... 1. Устройство (200) оптического мониторинга для мониторинга значения кривизны вдоль гибкого медицинского инструмента (101), причем устройство содержит:- оптоволоконный детектор (110), содержащий одно или более оптических волокон (201),- источник (202) света для ввода света в оптические волокна,- приемник (203) света для измерения оптической характеристики отраженного света от оптических волокон, причем оптические волокна выполнены так, чтобы оптическая характеристика отраженного света была подвержена воздействию изгиба волокон,- процессор (220) для анализа измеренной оптической характеристики для определения значения кривизны оптоволоконного детектора и для сравнения значения кривизны с пороговым значением кривизны, причем процессор дополнительно выполнен с возможностью:- определения местоположения (210) вдоль оптоволоконного детектора с определенным значением кривизны,- сохранения предыдущих значений кривизны и связанного с ними местоположения вдоль волоконного детектора в устройстве ( ...

OPTISCHES SIGNIERVERFAHREN UND VORRICHTUNG ZUR PRUEFUNG AUF STRUKTURELLE UNVERSEHRTHEIT

SMART-SKIN STRUKTUREN

Condition detection method for electrically-conductive elongate tensioning elements uses evaluation of reflection spectrum for variable frequency electromagnetic measuring signal

The condition detection method has an electromagnetic measuring signal coupled to a tensioning element (1a), with variation of the frequency of the measuring signal and evaluation of the measuring signal reflection spectrum, for determining the condition of the tensioning element in dependence on the resonance frequencies.

Movement gauge

Sensor

A method for detecting degree of development of asphalt pavement fracture based on infrared thermal image analysis

Monitoring structure of sea-going vessels and structures

A method and apparatus for measuring structural deflection of sea-going vessels and structures employing a laser beam. A laser beam is transmitted to a reflector (2) mounted on the structure at a location to be monitored. The beam reflected from the reflector (2) is detected and compared with a reference beam to determine a path difference between these beams from which the structural deflection at the location monitored can be determined. By relating these measurements to time, stress and fatique effects can be monitored.

MONITORING STRUCTURE OF SEA-GOING VESSELS AND STRUCTURES

A method for leakage detection of underground corridor based on static infrared thermal image processing

Cosmic ray based imaging of critical infrastructure

Wireless passive sensing unit

Cable-suspended non-destructive inspection units for rapid large-area scanning

A method for detecting degree of crack development of asphalt pavement

A method for detecting crack development degree index of asphalt pavement

A method for detecting crack development degree index of asphalt pavement based on infrared thermal image analysis, comprising; establishing a model for crack development degree detection; collecting IR thermal images of a fracture zone of pavement and recording ambient temperature; processing the IR images and obtaining measured temperature difference data between crack samples in said fracture zone and pavement surface; obtaining reference temperature difference data by introducing the ambient temperature into said model; and obtaining crack development degree index by introducing said reference temperature difference data and said measured temperature difference data into said model.

Method for monitoring the integrity of a flexible line extending through a fluid exploitation facility, and associated flexible line, kit and production process

Method for monitoring the integrity of a flexible line extending through a fluid exploitation facility, and associated flexible line, kit and production process

Method for monitoring the integrity of a flexible line extending through a fluid exploitation facility, and associated flexible line, kit and production process

MEASURING SYSTEM FOR THE MONITORING OF THE STRUCTURAL CONDITION OF COMPOUND MATERIAL STRUCTURES

Sensing system for monitoring the integrity of a structure

A sensing system (10) for monitoring the integrity of a structure has first and second channels (12 and 14) arranged for sealing onto a surface (16) of the structure (18) to form respective spaced apart first and second galleries (20 and 22). A fluid (F1) is in the first gallery (20) and a fluid (F2) is in the second gallery (22). A measurement system (24) measures for a change in a pressure independent physical characteristic: a) in the first gallery (20); b) in the second gallery (22); c) between the first gallery (20) and the second gallery (22); or d) a combination of two or more of a), b) and c) where the change is dependent on a mass flow of fluid from one of, or between, the sealed galleries due to a crack in the structure. The pressure independent physical characteristic of the fluid can be the conductivity of the fluid or the optical properties of the fluid.

Abnormality monitoring apparatus

Provided is an abnormality monitoring apparatus that monitors abnormalities of a system having a plurality of components or products. The components or products include a plurality of kinds of microcapsules that respectively discharge a plurality of chemical marker substances due to specific factors, said chemical marker substances having different ion mobilities. The monitoring apparatus has an ion mobility sensor that detects the chemical marker substances. Occurrence of the abnormalities, kinds of the abnormalities, area where the abnormalities occurred, and degree of the abnormalities can be identified by having the monitoring apparatus detect the chemical marker substances.

Smart skin structures

Method and system for pipeline condition analysis

A method and system for assessing the condition of a pipeline in a pipeline system is disclosed. The method includes generating a pressure wave in the fluid being carried along the pipeline system at a generation location along the pipeline system, detecting a first pressure wave interaction signal at a first measurement location along the pipeline system resulting from an interaction of the pressure wave with localised variations in the pipeline and then detecting synchronously a second pressure wave interaction signal at a second measurement location along the pipeline system resulting from the interaction of the pressure wave with localised variations in the pipeline. The method then involves comparing the first and second pressure wave interaction signals to determine a location of individual features in the first and second pressure wave interaction signals with respect to the generation location, the individual features corresponding to pressure wave reflections from localised variations ...

Method and system for assessment of pipeline condition

A method and system for assessing the condition of a pipe carrying a fluid is disclosed. The method includes the steps of generating a pressure wave in the fluid being carried along the pipe and detecting a pressure wave interaction signal resulting from an interaction of the pressure wave with a localised variation in pipe condition. The method then involves determining from the timing of the pressure wave interaction signal the location of the localised variation in pipe condition and the extent of the localised variation in pipe condition based on a characteristic of the pressure wave interaction signal.

Concepts for detecting a deterioration state of a load bearing capacity in a suspension member arrangement for an elevator

Marine riser component and method of assessing fatigue damage in a marine riser component

A marine riser component which has an integrated fatigue damage sensor in which the sensor is adapted to be damaged by stresses and strains applied to the marine riser component, and is adapted to record said damage on the sensor. The sensor is optionally integrated into the body of the marine riser component in a location on the component that transmits fatigue loads to the sensor at a known stress concentration factor, optionally in a recess on the body, for example, in a closed recess on an outer surface of the marine riser component.

INSPECTION SYSTEM OF STRUCTURES AND EQUIPMENT AND RELATED METHOD THEREOF

METHOD AND SYSTEM OF FABRICATING PZT NANOPARTICLE INK BASED PIEZOELECTRIC SENSOR

The disclosure provides in one embodiment a method of fabricating a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) nanoparticle ink based piezoelectric sensor (110). The method has a step of formulating a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) nanoparticle ink (104). The method further has a step of depositing the PZT nanoparticle ink (104) onto a substrate (101) via an ink deposition process (122) to form a PZT nanoparticle ink based piezoelectric sensor (110).

METHOD AND SYSTEM OF FABRICATING PZT NANOPARTICLE INK BASED PIEZOELECTRIC SENSOR

The disclosure provides in one embodiment a method of fabricating a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) nanoparticle ink based piezoelectric sensor (110). The method has a step of formulating a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) nanoparticle ink (104). The method further has a step of depositing the PZT nanoparticle ink (104) onto a substrate (101) via an ink deposition process (122) to form a PZT nanoparticle ink based piezoelectric sensor (110).

STRUCTURAL FAILURE DETECTION METHOD

ICR 5995 STRUCTURAL FAILURE DETECTION METHOD Crack initiation in metallic structural members subject to cyclic loading is predicted by sensing metallurgical changes taking place as a result of the cyclic loading. Fatigue loading produces a cycle comprising a condition described as fatigue relaxation followed by fatigue intensification. By monitoring this cycle, measured strain for a known applied load will increase or decrease. By monitoring the change in strain load, crack initiation can be predicted as fatigue relaxation becomes fatigue intensification. In a preferred embodiment, the strain gauge is mounted beneath a patch excluding ambient atmosphere during monitoring of the structural members.

SENSING SYSTEM FOR MONITORING THE STRUCTURAL HEALTH OF COMPOSITE STRUCTURES

MEASURING STRAIN IN A STRUCTURE (BRIDGE) WITH A (TEMPERATURE COMPENSATED) ELECTROMAGNETIC RESONATOR (MICROWAVE CAVITY)

The system (10) comprises a sensor (18) 90x90x90x30 mm as an electromagnetic microwave cavity (20) with a coupler (22) with a wire (40) and an antenna (42). Cavity (20) produces a response signal (26) in response to an interrogation signal (24) from interrogator (16). Sensor (18) is coupled to a structure (14) to allow a strain to alter the resonance properties. 3.6 GHz is used with a detection of a 2.5 kHz change. If not temperature via strain is detected a mechanical amplifier is used with cavity (20) for temperature compensation. Continuous or intermittent narrowband signals are used as interrogation signals (24). Used with bridges for structural health monitoring. Also for aircrafts, dams, buildings, vehicles.

PIPE SENSORS

Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for detecting and determining conditions of and conditions within a fluid conduit.

METHODS FOR HANDLING A MOBILE PLATFORM IN A TANK CONTAINING NON-CONDUCTIVE HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

A mobile platform uses a charge accumulation control system to control a charge accumulation while the mobile platform is in the tank. Alternatively or additionally, the mobile platform includes a retrieval system having a buoyant body, a primary tether, and a secondary tether. Alternatively or additionally, an electrical cable is used to reduce a voltage difference between the mobile platform and the tank or other structure by electrically connecting to an electrically conductive member on the mobile platform.

ELECTRIC FIELD EXPANSION SYSTEM FOR LOW VOLTAGE CONDUCTIVITY INSPECTION

Extensions exited from electrodes of an electroscan probe, allowing for operation in a wide range of pipe sizes, particularly large diameter pipes, by extending the maximum effective distance of the electric fields generated by the probe. The extensions preferably extend radially from each of the electrodes, and are sized to bring tips of the extensions close to the pipe wall. The extensions can be joined by lanyards to assist in keeping them spaced apart. At least some extensions preferably have bulbous tips, preferably at least partially formed of non-conductive material to keep adjacent extensions from touching each other, especially extensions coupled to different electrodes. The extensions, in one embodiment, are threaded into collars adjacent to each electrode and selected to have a length appropriate for the pipe diameter.

METHODS OF TESTING A MONUMENT THAT IS TO BE ATTACHED TO A FLOOR OF AN AIRCRAFT

Methods of testing a monument that is attached to a floor of the aircraft. The testing uses a compliance matrix based on attachment points where the monument is attached to the floor of the aircraft. The testing uses a test monument that is equipped with extension members and load cells positioned at the corresponding attachment points. A test load is applied to the test monument and reaction loads are determined at each attachment point. During the test period, the compliance matrix and reaction loads are used to calculate displacements at each attachment point. Each of the extension members are then adjusted by the corresponding displacement. At the end of the test period, determination is made as to whether the test monument is capable of sustaining the predetermined load and adjusted displacements at the attachment points.

DIAGNOSTIC LAYER AND METHODS FOR DETECTING STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF COMPOSITE AND METALLIC MATERIALS

A diagnostic layer having a network of actuators and sensors may be incorporated into or on the surface of composite, metallic, and laminated materials for monitoring the structural health of the material. The diagnostic layer is adapted for detecting and measuring changes in the condition of the material, e.g., the site and extent of damage in the material. In a preferred embodiment, piezoelectric devices are embedded in the diagnostic layer in a network, and serve as actuators and sensors. Signals emitted from the sensors in response to physical deformation, either by an impact or as a result of stress waves generated by the actuators, are diagnostic of the current condition of the diagnostic layer. The diagnostic layer is also adapted to monitor the curing process of a composite material and accurately determine when curing is complete. Methods for monitoring changes in conditions of a material are also disclosed.

METHOD FOR MONITORING THE LOAD ON ROTOR BLADES OF WIND ENERGY INSTALLATIONS

The invention, which relates to a method for monitoring the load on rotor blades of wind energy installations by means of acceleration measurements o n at least one rotor blade of a wind energy installation and the determinati on of the load on the rotor blade from the picked-up acceleration signals, i s based on the object of specifying a method with which dynamic, even uncrit ical load states can be detected, in differentiated fashion, and combined in a suitable form for evaluation in order to influence, if possible prior to the onset of damage to the rotor blade, the mode of operation of the wind en ergy installation, in particular the design of the pitch control or angle se tting of stall-regulated rotor blades, on the basis both of all of the rotor blades together and of a single rotor blade. This problem is solved by the frequency of the occurrence of the load values over a certain period of time being determined from the amplitudes of the time signal or the amplitudes o f selected ...

APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATED POSITIONING OF EDDY CURRENT TEST PROBE

An apparatus for automated inspection and repair of a tube sheet. The apparatus has a rotating gripper pod, comprising at least one tube gripper, a sliding body portion containing the gripper pod; a housing portion comprising at least one tube gripper and a tool head coupling. The tool head coupling swapably attaches to an eddy current test probe and at least one kind of tube repair tool. Novel, auto-locking tube grippers are also disclosed. A serial bus connects electronic modules within the apparatus and also connects the apparatus to an external controller.

METHOD FOR DETERMINING A STRUCTURAL STATE OF A MECHANICALLY LOADED UNIT

The present invention relates to a method for determining a structural state of at least one component of a mechanically loaded target unit, in particular a target unit of a rail vehicle, the method comprising, in an actual excitation step (109.4) of an evaluation cycle (109.3), introducing a defined actual mechanical input signal into the target unit (105.1), in an actual capturing step (109.5) of the evaluation cycle (109.3), capturing an actual mechanical response signal of the target unit (105.1) to the mechanical input signal, and, in an actual evaluation step (109.6) of the evaluation cycle (109.3), comparing the actual mechanical response signal to a previously recorded baseline signal to establish an actual differential feature and using the actual differential feature to determine the structural state. The baseline signal is representative of a previous mechanical response signal of the target unit (105.1) to a previous mechanical input signal, the previous mechanical input signal ...

APPARATUS MONITORING FOR ABNORMALITIES

Provided is an abnormality monitoring apparatus that monitors abnormalities of a system having a plurality of components or products. The components or products include a plurality of kinds of microcapsules that respectively discharge a plurality of chemical marker substances due to specific factors, said chemical marker substances having different ion mobilities. The monitoring apparatus has an ion mobility sensor that detects the chemical marker substances. Occurrence of the abnormalities, kinds of the abnormalities, area where the abnormalities occurred, and degree of the abnormalities can be identified by having the monitoring apparatus detect the chemical marker substances.

DEGRADATION DETECTION SYSTEM FOR A HOSE ASSEMBLY

A hose fault detection system (10) includes a hose assembly (12) including a hose (16) having first and second conductive layers (20), (24). The hose assembly (12) has an electrical characteristic. A fault detector (14) is in electrical communication with the first and second conductive layers (20), (24). The fault detector (14) includes an indicator (74) operatively connected to the hose assembly (12). A method for monitoring the structural integrity of a hose assembly (12) includes providing a fault detection system (10) having a hose assembly (12) including a hose (16) having a first conductive layer (20) and a second conductive layer (20), (24). The hose assembly (12) has an electrical characteristic. The electrical characteristic of the hose assembly (12) is compared to a threshold value. A visual indicator (74) in operative communication with the hose assembly (12) is illuminated when the electrical characteristic goes beyond the threshold value.

METHODS FOR CHARACTERIZING DENTS IN PIPELINES

The disclosure describes methods, devices and tools useful in the non-destructive inspection and the characterization of mechanical damage such as dents in pipelines. Methods, devices and tools described herein make use of a strain severity indication combined with a material loss indication such as magnetic flux leakage to determine whether a dent comprises at least one of a crack, a gouge and corrosion. The characterization of the mechanical damage in dents of pipes may be used to determine whether and when any corrective or preventive action should be carried out.

STRUCTURAL HEALTH MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD BASED ON COMBINED PHYSICAL AND SIMULATED DATA

System and method to manage the structural integrity of critical systems for decision-making support actions based upon their condition, in a structural health management system, analysing information from physical sensors through acomputational model (101) of the system. The invention comprises an optimal sensor placement method, a data acquisition system with multi-sensor capability mounted/embedded in the critical system (100), a sampling algorithm for balanced compacted information flowfrom sensor to storage, a data exchange channel (12) linking the physical module (100) with the virtual one (101), a simulated model of the components/structurescombined with the adequate solver for the actual physics involved on the problem and an optimization tool, a database to store data and manage results, a decision module for diagnostics and prognostics of the component/structure integrity status, and a data treatment and visualisation tools (22). These modules support decision-making actions ( ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COLLECTION, ANALYSIS AND ARCHIVING OF PIPE DEFECT DATA

The system utilizes electroscan equipment including a voltage source and current meter with a cable having one end grounded and one end having an electric probe thereon sized to fit within an underground pipe. The probe is able to complete an electric circuit back to ground when the probe is adjacent a defect through which electric currents can pass, thus producing varying electric current. A cable reel is provided with portions of the cable supported thereon and with a cable distance sensor coupled to the reel along with the current meter and voltage source in the form of a battery. The current meter and distance sensor transmit wireless signals to an on-site processor, such as a smartphone, for on-site data evaluation. Such unconditioned data is also transmitted to a remote location for conditioning of the data and retransmission of the conditioned data back to the on-site processor.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COLLECTION, ANALYSIS AND ARCHIVING OF PIPE DEFECT DATA

The system utilizes electroscan equipment including a voltage source and current meter with a cable having one end grounded and one end having an electric probe thereon sized to fit within an underground pipe. The probe is able to complete an electric circuit back to ground when the probe is adjacent a defect through which electric currents can pass, thus producing varying electric current. A cable reel is provided with portions of the cable supported thereon and with a cable distance sensor coupled to the reel along with the current meter and voltage source in the form of a battery. The current meter and distance sensor transmit wireless signals to an on-site processor, such as a smartphone, for on-site data evaluation. Such unconditioned data is also transmitted to a remote location for conditioning of the data and retransmission of the conditioned data back to the on-site processor.

Procédé pour tester le taux de fatigue d'une structure

Device for determination of the material properties of snowboard or ski.

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Einrichtung zur Bestimmung von Materialeigenschaften von Snowboards oder Ski oder dergleichen, insbesondere zur Bestimmung mechanischer Eigenschaften, die universelle Testmöglichkeiten bieten soll und zugleich einfach in Aufbau und Anwendung ist. Dies ist dadurch gelöst, dass die Einrichtung mindestens ein Paar relativ zueinander bewegliche Auflage- und Spannelemente aufweist, die in mindestens einer Achsrichtung, bevorzugt gemeinsam, verschiebbar und um ihre Längsachse drehbar angeordnet sind.

Device for determining e.g. material properties, of snowboard or ski in e.g. quality control sector, has supporting elements and clamping elements movable relative to each other and adjustably arranged in axle direction

The device has supporting elements and clamping elements movable in relative to each other and adjustably arranged in axle direction, where a cross section of the clamping elements is equilateral triangle or polygonal in shape. The clamping elements are rotatably arranged around a longitudinal axis. Guiding and drive components are connected to the clamping elements. A data processing unit is arranged on a downstream of the clamping elements. A frame (14) is movably arranged in a base element (18). A cross section of the clamping elements is rectangular or polygonal in shape.

Vehicle for the independent inspection of with difficulty accessible interiors.

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Fahrzeug (10) zur selbständigen Inspektion von schwer zugänglichen Innenräumen, die von ferromagnetischen Innenwänden (24) begrenzt sind, insbesondere in grossen Gussteilen wie z.B. Dampfkästen einer Dampfturbine, welches Fahrzeug (10) wenigstens zwei um eine gemeinsame Achse (14) drehbare, in axialer Richtung voneinander beabstandete, unabhängig voneinander antreibbare Räder (12, 13) umfasst. Mit einem solchem Fahrzeug kann der gesamte Innenraum inspiziert werden, wenn das Fahrzeug (10) Haftmittel (21, 22; 25, 26) aufweist, welche das Fahrzeug (10) entgegen der Schwerkraft mit den Rädern (12, 13) an der jeweiligen Innenwand (24) halten.

Sistema e metodo di monitoraggio attivo di condotte per flusso di fluidi.

Viene descritto un sistema di monitoraggio attivo di una condotta (100) per flussi di fluidi comprendente una condotta (100) da monitorare; mezzi di ripresa foto e/o video (30) posizionati all'interno della condotta (100) per un monitoraggio della condotta (100); una stazione di monitoraggio (20), collegabile ai mezzi di ripresa foto e/o video (30), comprendente un'interfaccia di comando (21) configurata per selezionare mezzi di ripresa foto e/o video (30), un'unità di controllo configurata per ricevere un flusso di immagini (Im_i) di monitoraggio in funzione dei mezzi di ripresa foto e/o video (30) selezionati (Sei), calcolare un indice d'integrità della condotta (100) in funzione delle immagini (Im_i) di monitoraggio ricevute e geolocalizzare un punto d'intervento nella condotta (100) in funzione dei mezzi di ripresa foto e/o video (30) selezionati e del calcolato indice d'integrità della condotta (100).

System and method of active monitoring of leading for fluid flow.

Viene descritto un sistema di monitoraggio attivo di una condotta (100) per flussi di fluidi comprendente una condotta (100) da monitorare; mezzi di ripresa foto/video (30) posizionati all’interno della condotta (100) per un monitoraggio della condotta (100); una stazione di monitoraggio (20), collegabile ai mezzi di ripresa foto/video (30), comprendente un’interfaccia di comando (21) configurata per selezionare mezzi di ripresa foto/video (30), un’unità di controllo configurata per ricevere un flusso di immagini (Im_i) di monitoraggio in funzione dei mezzi di ripresa foto/video (30) selezionati (Sel), calcolare un indice d’integrità della condotta (100) in funzione delle immagini (Im_i) di monitoraggio ricevute e geolocalizzare un punto d’intervento nella condotta (100) in funzione dei mezzi di ripresa foto/video (30) selezionati e del calcolato indice d’integrità della condotta (100).

DEVICE TRACKING FAILURES

SYSTEM INTERPRETATION OF PIPES

MONITORING OF PIPELINES

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CHECKING BEARING CAPACITY

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DEVELOPING A GOLD BODY DATABASE FOR A CERTAIN NON-DESTRUCTIVE INSPECTION METHOD

Detection system and detection method

Windshield wiper device for controlling the power consumption of the unit in the method and apparatus of the

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRACKING AN AIRCRAFT STRUCTURE

DEVICE FOR ESTABLISHING STATUS DIAGNOSIS LINE OR GALLERY AND APPARATUS THEREFOR

NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING OF A COMPOSITE MATERIAL PART AND OPERATING METHOD

ACTIVE CONDUIT MONITORING SYSTEM FOR FLUID FLOW

A METHOD FOR MONITORING THE INTEGRITY OF A FLEXIBLE TUBULAR PIPE

NONDESTRUCTIVE INSPECTING DEVICE Of a STRUTURE BY VIBRATORY ANALYSIS

METHOD OF DETERMINING THE THRESHOLD RF NON-PROPAGATING FATIGUE CRACK

AND PROCEEDED TOGETHER OF MONITORING TO DETECT STRUCTURAL DEFECTS BEING ABLE TO APPEAR IN a NACELLE Of AIRCRAFT

METHOD FOR PRODUCING A VIBRATION FATIGUE TEST OF A MECHANICAL PART

DEVICE FOR MEASURING THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CRACK, IN PARTICULAR OF A BUILDING WALL

STRUCTURAL SENSOR FOR AIR VEHICLES

Method for determining validation profile of part that is fixed on motor and subjected to vibrations, involves obtaining density by calculating density from corrected effective displacement value by utilizing transfer function

L'invention concerne un procédé d'obtention d'une densité spectrale de puissance d'accélération d'un processus stationnaire, gaussien, à bande étroite, à partir d'un spectre de dommage par fatigue, comprenant une étape de calcul de la valeur efficace de déplacement d'un oscillateur harmonique à partir du spectre de dommage par fatigue, suivi d'une étape d'estimation d'une densité spectrale de puissance d'accélération approchée, en utilisant une fonction de transfert simplifiée, à partir de la valeur efficace de déplacement. Selon l'invention, le procédé comprend une étape de calcul de la valeur efficace de déplacement de la densité spectrale de puissance d'accélération approchée, une étape de comparaison des deux valeurs efficaces de déplacement, une étape de calcul d'une valeur efficace de déplacement corrigée à partir de la comparaison des valeurs efficaces de déplacement de sorte que la valeur efficace de déplacement calculée à partir du spectre de dommage par fatigue soit borné par ...

Non-destructive testing the integrity of a composite material panel used e.g. as floor panel of an aircraft, by transmitting a predetermined wave of an electromagnetic excitation towards panel, and acquiring a frequency of response wave

L'objet de l'invention est un procédé de contrôle non destructif de l'intégrité d'un panneau (10) réalisé en matériau composite et comportant au moins un élément électromagnétique (16) configuré pour émettre une onde électromagnétique, dite onde de réponse électromagnétique, en réponse à une excitation électromagnétique prédéfinie, le procédé de contrôle étant caractérisé en ce qu'il prévoit : - d'émettre une onde d'excitation électromagnétique prédéfinie (30) dirigée vers le panneau (10), - d'acquérir une fréquence d'une onde de réponse électromagnétique émise par l'élément électromagnétique (16) en réponse à l'onde d'excitation électromagnétique (30), - de comparer une fréquence acquise de l'onde de réponse électromagnétique avec une fréquence étalon, - et de détecter un endommagement du panneau (10) s'il existe une différence entre la fréquence acquise de l'onde de réponse et la fréquence étalon.

METHOD OF FOLLOW-UP OF the INTEGRITY Of a FLEXIBLE LINE EXTENDING THROUGH an INSTALLATION From EXPLOITATION FROM FLUID, FLEXIBLE, NECESSARY AND MANUFACTORING PROCESS LINE ASSOCIATE

Cette méthode comporte la fourniture d'au moins un capteur filiforme (54A) comportant une matrice en polymère et présentant une conductivité électrique supérieure à celle du corps tubulaire (52). La méthode comporte la mesure d'une grandeur électrique représentative de l'intégrité de la ligne flexible, en au moins un point de mesure (60A,60B) situé sur le capteur (54A).

Improvements brought to the processes and devices to determine rigidity or solidity, even tiredness, of a metal or different work

INSTRUMENTED FLEXIBLE TUBULAR PIPE

La présente invention concerne une conduite flexible (1) comportant une gaine interne d'étanchéité (2), des armures de traction (5, 6) et une couche de maintien (7) comprenant un ruban de maintien (10) enroulé hélicoïdalement. Le ruban de maintien (10) comprend des mèches de fibres (12) et une fibre optique (14) maintenues ensemble par des moyens de contention (16). La fibre optique est utilisée en tant que capteur de mesure d'allongement.

Diagnostic instrumentation for concrete art object - has shock generator with steel projectile bombarding object surface while piezoelectric accelerometer and optoelectronic displacement sensors detect shock waves and transmit information to measuring bridge

DAMAGE EVALUATION METHOD AND MAINTENANCE EVALUATION INDEX POLICY

... 특정한 물리량의 대상 부위에 있어서의 제1회째의 측정값을 손상 평가 지표에 대응시켜, 제1회째의 측정값에 대응하는 손상도를 산출한다. 제1회째의 측정 개소에 대응하는 개소에 있어서의 특정한 물리량을, 제1회째의 측정과는 사용 경과 시간이 상이한 다른 시기에 있어서, 적어도 1회 측정하고, 이 제2회째 이후의 측정값과 제2회째 이후의 측정 시에 대응하는 시간 변화에 기초하여 산출된 손상도를 대응시킨다. 제1회째와 제2회째 이후의 측정값과, 제1회째와 제2회째 이후의 측정값에 대응하는 손상도의 관계에 기초하여, 새로운 손상 평가 지표를 근사적으로 산출한다.

안전 진단을 위한 구조물 균열 변위 측정장치 및 방법

... 본 발명은 안전 진단을 위한 구조물 균열 변위 측정장치 및 방법에 관한 것이다. 본 발명의 일 실시예에 따른 안전 진단을 위한 구조물 균열 변위 측정장치는, 안전 진단을 위한 구조물 균열 변위 측정장치에 있어서, 상기 구조물에는 하방으로 향하는 수직 하중이 작용하고, 상기 구조물에는 위에서 아래 쪽으로 향하는 수직형 균열을 포함하고, 상기 수직형 균열의 좌측면에는 수평방향으로 형성된 눈금을 포함하는 측정자;와, 상기 측정자의 하측으로는 상기 측정자에 평행하게 형성된 제1홈;과, 상기 측정자에는 기준이 되는 영점을 포함하고, 상기 영점을 기준으로 좌측으로 형성된 상기 제1 홈 상에서 좌우측 방향으로 이동가능한 제1 지지구; 및 상기 영점을 기준으로 우측으로 형성된 상기 제1 홈 상에서 좌우측 방향으로 이동가능한 제2 지지구;를 포함하는 좌측 프레임이 부착되고 상기 수직형 균열의 우측면에는 상기 측정자의 눈금 상에 위치되어 상기 수직형 균열의 횡방향으로의 폭의 변화에 따라 이동되는 지시침과 상기 지시침을 고정시키고, 지지하는 지시계; 및 상기 지시침과 지시계를 포함하는 우측프레임이 부착되고, 상기 지시침이 수직형 균열의 횡폭의 변화에 따라 상기 지시침이 상기 지시침의 좌측에 형성된 제1 지지구를 좌측으로 이동시켜 고정되거나 상기 지시침의 우측에 형성된 제2 지지구를 우측으로 이동시켜서 고정시켜서 상기 수직형 균열의 최대 신장폭과 최소 축소 폭을 알려주는 기능을 수행할 수 있는 것일 수 있다.

SYSTEM FOR MEASURING OPTIMAL COMPRESSION DATA BASED ON EST FOR MAINTAINING AND MANAGING SMART STRUCTURE

The present invention relates to a system for measuring optimal compression data based on EST for maintaining and managing a smart structure and, more particularly, to a system for measuring optimal compression data based on EST for maintaining and managing a smart structure, capable of easily maintaining and managing the smart structure and performing operation/calculation/processing/response in real time by being embedded in a measurement system based on embedded software technology (EST) with an optimal sensor location determination algorithm, a transient vibration response analysis algorithm, an FE model improvement algorithm, and an optimal compression data measurement algorithm with the type of a program executed by an operation processing unit including a computer. COPYRIGHT KIPO 2016 (130.1, 130.2, 130.3, 130.n) Name (132.1, 132.2, 132.3, 132.n) Digest (134.1, 134.2, 134.3, 134.n) Modified time (200) Sensing unit (300) DB unit (AA) Network (BB) Optimal sensor position determination ...

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MEASURING CRACK BY USING IMAGE PROCESSING TECHNIQUE

Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for measuring a crack by using an image processing technique according to the present invention. The apparatus for measuring a crack by using the image processing technique according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a crack region detection unit receiving a captured inspection target image and detecting a crack region from the received image; a skeleton extraction unit extracting a skeleton corresponding to a center line of the detected crack region; and a crack region measurement unit generating a window of a predetermined size based on a pixel on the extracted skeleton for each of the pixels, determining the proceeding direction of the crack in the pixel by using the generated window, and measuring the width of the crack in a direction perpendicular to the determined crack proceeding direction. The skeleton extraction unit extracts the skeleton corresponding to the center line of the detected crack region by using a predetermined ...

복수 개의 카메라를 이용하여 구조물의 손상 영역을 촬영하는 무인 비행 장치 및 이를 이용한 구조물 손상 검사 장치

... 일 실시예에 따른 복수 개의 카메라를 이용하여 구조물의 손상 영역을 촬영하는 무인 비행 장치는 검사 대상이 되는 구조물을 촬영하며, 수평 방향과 평행하게 배열된 복수 개의 카메라를 포함하는 카메라부, 초음파 센서를 이용하여 상기 구조물과의 거리 정보 및 각도 정보를 산출하는 초음파부, 상기 카메라부가 촬영하는 영역에 대한 조도를 감지하는 조도 센서를 포함하는 센서부 및 상기 초음파부가 획득한 정보를 기초로 상기 복수 개의 카메라의 위치 및 각도를 조절하는 제어부를 포함할 수 있다.

WIND TURBINE

A workpiece comprising a device for the early detection of the formation of fissures in the workpiece

SENSING SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING THE FATIGUE ON METAL COMPONENTS

The invention relates to a sensing system for determining the fatigue on metal components. The aim of the invention is to provide a sensing system for non-destructively determining the fatigue on metal components, said system being usable in a flexible manner. The sensing system according to the invention is fixed to a component by means of a multilayer structure. A first layer formed from monocrystalline metal is directly bonded over the entire area of a surface of the component. A second electrically insulating polymer layer and a third layer which is sensitive or which contains sensing elements are applied on said first layer.

AN INTEGRITY MONITORING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF MONITORING INTEGRITY OF A STATIONARY STRUCTURE

The invention concerns an integrity monitoring system for monitoring integrity of at least a part of a stationary structure. The system comprises a vibration sensor for sensing vibration as a function of time, a computer, transmitting means for transmitting vibration data from the vibration sensor to the computer, means for acquiring position as a function of time data of a movable object, such as a vessel, a vehicle or a digging tool, where the movable object comprises a transmitter,and transmitting the position as a function of time data to the computer when the movable object is within a selected distance to a monitoring site. The monitoring site comprises the part of the stationary structure to be monitored and the vibration sensor is arranged to sense vibrations within the monitoring site. The computer comprises hardware and software for comparing the vibration data with the position as a function of time data.

DEGRADATION DETECTION SYSTEM FOR A HOSE ASSEMBLY

A hose fault detection system (10) includes a hose assembly (12) including a hose (16) having first and second conductive layers (20), (24). The hose assembly (12) has an electrical characteristic. A fault detector (14) is in electrical communication with the first and second conductive layers (20), (24). The fault detector (14) includes an indicator (74) operatively connected to the hose assembly (12). A method for monitoring the structural integrity of a hose assembly (12) includes providing a fault detection system (10) having a hose assembly (12) including a hose (16) having a first conductive layer (20) and a second conductive layer (20), (24). The hose assembly (12) has an electrical characteristic. The electrical characteristic of the hose assembly (12) is compared to a threshold value. A visual indicator (74) in operative communication with the hose assembly (12) is illuminated when the electrical characteristic goes beyond the threshold value.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFICATION OF PIPE DEFECTS THAT LEAK

The system utilizes electroscan equipment including a voltage source and current meter with a cable having one end grounded and one end having an electric probe thereon sized to fit within an underground pipe. The probe is able to complete an electric circuit back to ground when the probe is adjacent a defect through which electric currents can pass, thus producing varying electric current. A cable reel is provided with portions of the cable supported thereon and with a cable distance sensor coupled to the reel along with the current meter and voltage source in the form of a battery. The current meter and distance sensor transmit wireless signals to an on-site processor, such as a smartphone, for on-site data evaluation. Such unconditioned data is also transmitted to a remote location for conditioning of the data and retransmission of the conditioned data back to the on-site processor.

APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATED POSITIONING OF EDDY CURRENT TEST PROBE

An apparatus for automated inspection and repair of a tube sheet. The apparatus has a rotating gripper pod, comprising at least one tube gripper, a sliding body portion containing the gripper pod; a housing portion comprising at least one tube gripper and a tool head coupling. The tool head coupling swapably attaches to a eddy current test probe and at least one kind of tube repair tool. Novel, auto-locking tube grippers are also disclosed. A serial bus connects electronic modules within the apparatus and also connects the apparatus to an external controller.

ABNORMALITY MONITORING APPARATUS

Provided is an abnormality monitoring apparatus that monitors abnormalities of a system having a plurality of components or products. The components or products include a plurality of kinds of microcapsules that respectively discharge a plurality of chemical marker substances due to specific factors, said chemical marker substances having different ion mobilities. The monitoring apparatus has an ion mobility sensor that detects the chemical marker substances. Occurrence of the abnormalities, kinds of the abnormalities, area where the abnormalities occurred, and degree of the abnormalities can be identified by having the monitoring apparatus detect the chemical marker substances.

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING A CIVIL ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION

Method for monitoring a civil engineering construction, comprising a first metal reinforcement (1) contributing to the mechanical strength of said construction, and a reference conductor element (2), these being separated by dielectric material (3) and each having a first end (11, 21) that is electrically accessible, the method comprising: A - injecting an incident electrical signal which is applied differentially between the first ends of the first reinforcement (1) and of the reference conductor element (2), B - collecting reflected signals returning along the conductors in return, C - analysing the reflected signals and comparing them against reference signals in order therefrom to deduce any potential structural defect (9) in the first reinforcement.

System for in-situ delamination detection in composites

In a system for in-situ delamination detection in composites, the invention employs a system which evaluates the mechanical vibration response of composite material structures. The damping characteristics of the composite structure are extracted from the detected wave properties generated by imbedded piezoelectric ceramic actuators and received by imbedded high strain sensitive fiber optic sensors. Such a sensor system is simple to operate for real-time non-destructive strain and displacement monitoring and delamination detection, without the need to remove the tested surface from operation. During the routine structural integrity monitoring operation, mechanical vibration pulses are launched into the composite from one actuator. The strain signal's propagation patterns are measured in real time by the fiber-optic sensors at different grating locations. Different travel times are computed dependent on the location of the receiving gratings. Propagation of the waves through a delaminated ...

Active damage interrogation method for structural health monitoring

An active damage interrogation (ADI) system (and method) which utilizes an array of piezoelectric transducers attached to or embedded within the structure for both actuation and sensing. The ADI system actively interrogates the structure through broadband excitation of the transducers. The transducer (sensor) signals are digitized and the transfer function of each actuator/sensor pair is computed. The ADI system compares the computed transfer function magnitude and phase spectrum for each actuator/sensor pair to a baseline transfer function for that actuator/sensor pair which is computed by averaging several sets of data obtained with the structure in an undamaged state. The difference between the current transfer function and the baseline transfer function for each actuator/sensor pair is normalized by the standard deviation associated with that baseline transfer function. The transfer function deviation for each actuator/sensor pair is then represented in terms of the number of standard ...

Multi-function composite material utilizing embedded optical fibers

A composite material having high mechanical strength and optical transmission capabilities may be adapted for use in aircraft structural body elements, lighting displays, and other environments where light transmitting and receiving systems are located in physical proximity with a structural component. The disclosed material eliminates the need for separate retention structures for optical fibers.

Multi-ferroic structural health monitoring systems and methods

A method for testing a multiple layer structure is described. The method includes monitoring strains experienced by strain sensitive, magnetic particles disbursed within an adhesive between a first layer and a second layer, and analyzing any changes in the strains experienced by the particles to determine an amount of damage or degradation to the structure.

Distributed fibre optic diagnosis of riser integrity

A subsea riser integrity diagnosis system comprising: one or more fibres deployed along a riser, preferably along the whole length subject to any potential failure, or alternatively deployed over the interval most subject to failure, a fibre optic sensor interrogation apparatus optically coupled to the fibre(s) and operable to detect changes in temperature (DTS), vibration (CRN), or strain (FBG) sensed by the fibre optic strain sensor, and a central processor means adapted to receive multiple measurement data from the interrogation apparatus and operable to determine from the received data the current status of temperature, pressure, vibration, strain or other parameters along the riser and to determine if the status is within safe limits or whether any number of potentially damaging events has occurred and to inform the operator(s) for possible action to be taken to safeguard the integrity of the riser.

Damage detection and remediation system and methods thereof

A damage detection and remediation system includes a sensing device for detecting damage events related to a structure of interest. Such damage events may include impact from a ballistic object, a tamper event, a physical impact, or other events that may affect structural integrity or cause failure. Illustratively, the sensing device is in communication with a measurement system to determine damage criteria, and a processing system which is configured to use the damage criteria to determine, for example, a direction of the initiation point of a ballistic causing the damage event.

Vehicle damage detection system and method of manufacturing the same

An impact detection and remediation system includes a sensing device for detecting damage events related to a structure of interest. Such damage events may include impact from a ballistic object, a tamper event, a physical impact, or other events that may affect structural integrity or cause failure. Illustratively, the sensing device is in communication with a measurement system to determine impact criteria, and a processing system which is configured to use the impact criteria to determine a direction of the initiation point of a ballistic causing the damage event.

Embedded damage detection system for composite materials of an aircraft

A damage-detection apparatus for an aircraft may include a composite structure comprising embedded conductive traces. The embedded conductive traces may be for transmitting a damage-detection signal to indicate if the composite structure has been damaged.

Device for detecting shocks on a structure

A detection device ( 10 ) for shocks on a part ( 20 ) comprises a base ( 11 ) intended to be fixed by a lower face ( 111 ) onto a surface of the part ( 20 ) where the occurrence of a shock is to be detected and comprises one or more detectors ( 12 ) fixed at the base ( 11 ) and protruding with respect to the base, a detector ( 12 ) being deformed in a persistent way with a magnitude equal to or greater than a threshold magnitude As when it is subjected to a shock with an energy equal to or greater than a threshold energy Es. Under the effect of such a shock with energy Es or greater, a detector ( 12 ) is simply deformed or broken such that the visual inspection allows the occurrence of the shock to be detected.

Test apparatus for a threaded joint for oil country tubular goods

An apparatus 1 for evaluating the performance of a threaded joint for oil country tubular goods using a first steel pipe P 1 and a second steel pipe P 2 has a base 2 which holds a first steel pipe P 1 in an upright position with an upper end of the first steel pipe P 1 extending above the base and the remainder partly disposed under ground. A support member 3 mounted on the base 2 extends alongside the first steel pipe P 1 . A second steel pipe P 2 is suspended above the first steel pipe P 1 by a suspending mechanism 4 . A threaded joint can be connected and disconnected by first and second tongs 5 and 6 which rotate the second steel pipe P 2 with respect to the first steel pipe P 1 . A stabilizer 7 mounted on the support member 3 can limit the radius of gyration of the second steel pipe P 2.

Autonomous remaining useful life estimation

The equipment comprises at least one computer and a material features acquisition system operable to detect a plurality of material features. The features are then evaluated according to rules that capture the multidiscipline knowledge of experts and are already inputted into the computer. The computer iterations are processed until an acceptable conclusion is made regarding the condition of the material under evaluation, thus alleviating the need for multidiscipline experts to examine and analyze all the material data manually.

System and method for strain and acoustic emission monitoring

A device is provided for monitoring strain and acoustic emission in an object. The device includes: a strain measurement portion operable to measure strain; an adhesive layer disposed on the strain measurement portion; and a peel-off mask disposed on the adhesive layer. In an example embodiment, the strain measurement portion includes a body, a transparent window portion, a strain measurement device and a signal processing portion. The body includes an attachment surface, wherein the adhesive layer is disposed on the attachment surface for attachment of the body to the object. The transparent window portion is arranged to enable viewing of a portion of the object through the body. The strain measurement device is disposed within the transparent window portion and is operable to generate a strain signal based on strain in the object. The signal processing portion is operable to generate a processed signal based on the strain signal.

INTERPOLATION ENGINE FOR ANALYSIS OF TIME-VARYING LOAD DATA SIGNALS

A method for analyzing fatigue life of an elastomeric component includes a step of conducting a finite element analysis to obtain a base state. A plurality of case vectors are then selected to represent a space of possible loading states that occur within a time-varying load data signal based on measurement of the elastomeric component or vehicle dynamics. For at least a portion of the case vectors, a finite element analysis is conducted at a plurality of discrete gridpoints along the case vectors starting at the base state and tracking the case vector. Using an interpolation engine, desired local solution variables for a current state may be interpolated from the finite element analyses at the plurality of discrete gridpoints. A damage calculation may then be calculated based on the desired local solution variables for the current state. 1. A method for analyzing fatigue life of an elastomeric component , the method comprising the steps of:conducting a finite element analysis to obtain a base state of the elastomeric component;selecting a plurality of case vectors to represent a space of possible loading states that occur within the time-varying load data signal; andfor at least a portion of the case vectors, conducting a finite element analysis at a plurality of discrete gridpoints along the case vectors starting at the base state and tracking the case vectors.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising a step of:obtaining desired local solution variables as a function of time from the finite element analyses at the plurality of discrete gridpoints, wherein the desired local solution variables permit an interpolation of at least one of a strain history and a stress history of the elastomeric component at a desired current state.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the step of obtaining the desired local solution variables as the function of time is performed by an interpolation engine.4. The method of claim 2 , further comprising a step of:performing a damage ...

Hybrid virtual load monitoring system and method

Virtual sensors can be used to monitor the loads on the system in determining damage accumulation, remaining useful life or retirement time of the components. A virtual sensor is a mathematical construct to infer a desired system measurement (e.g. a structural load) from readily available system state parameters (e.g. speed, weight, load factors, control settings, etc.). The accuracy of the virtual sensor depends upon the mapping between the desired measurement and the state parameters. A hybrid load monitoring system and method includes one or more direct or physical sensor measurements in addition to the plurality of virtual sensors. Signals from the physical sensors are included as an input (as opposed to an output) to the mapping between system state parameters and the various target sensor feature amplitudes.

Entropy-based impact load identification

Methods and apparatus for identifying the location of the load on a structure. Various embodiments include calculating a plurality of potential loading sites, assessing the statistical order of each of those predictions, and selecting regions of the structure where the load most likely occurred based on the orderliness (or randomness) of the assessments.

Embedded Data Acquisition

Embodiments are generally directed to methods and apparatuses having electronic device cover glass that includes embedded sensors. In particular, one embodiment may take the form of a device having a device housing and a cover glass coupled to the device housing. The device includes a plurality of sensors coupled to the cover glass and configured to acquire data related to stress and strain experienced by the cover glass. The plurality of sensors is embedded within the cover glass.

Structural health management system and method based on combined physical and simulated data

System and method to manage the structural integrity of critical systems for decision-making support actions based upon their condition, in a structural health management system, analysing information from physical sensors through a computational model ( 101 ) of the system. The invention comprises an optimal sensor placement method, a data acquisition system with multi-sensor capability mounted/embedded in the critical system ( 100 ), a sampling algorithm for balanced compacted information flow from sensor to storage, a data exchange channel ( 12 ) linking the physical module ( 100 ) with the virtual one ( 101 ), a simulated model of the components/structures combined with the adequate solver for the actual physics involved on the problem and an optimization tool, a database to store data and manage results, a decision module for diagnostics and prognostics of the component/structure integrity status, and a data treatment and visualisation tools ( 22 ). These modules support decision-making actions ( 11, 23, 25 ) and new components/structures design ( 18 ).

METHOD AND DEVICE TO ASSESS THE WEAR OF A WINDSHIELD WIPER UNIT

Method to estimate the wear state of wiper blades () of a vehicle windshield wiper unit (), said windshield wiper unit () comprising: at least one wiper blade () configured to wipe a windshield surface (S) when activated, at least one motor () configured to activate the at least one wiper blade (), a controller () configured to control the at least one motor (), comprising the steps: deriving a friction coefficient (B) between the at least one wiper blade () and the windshield surface (S), using the derived friction coefficient (B) to determine the wetness of the windshield surface (S), if the windshield surface (S) is dry, using the derived friction coefficient (B) to estimate the wear state of the at least one wiper blade (). 1. A method to estimate the wear state of wiper blades of a vehicle windshield wiper unit , said windshield wiper unit comprising:at least one wiper blade configured to wipe a windshield surface when activated,at least one motor configured to activate the at least one wiper blade at a wiping speed, anda controller configured to control the at least one motor,said method comprising:deriving a friction coefficient between the at least one wiper blade and the windshield surface;comparing the derived friction coefficient to a first predetermined threshold value, to determine the wetness of the windshield surface; andwhen the windshield surface is dry, comparing the derived friction coefficient to a second predetermined threshold value to estimate the wear state of the at least one wiper blade.2. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the at least one motor has a power consumption claim 1 , said method further comprising dividing the power consumption by a size factor of the windshield wiping unit.3. The method as claimed in claim 1 , the method further comprising dividing the derived friction coefficient by the size factor of the windshield wiping unit.4. The method as claimed in claim 2 , the windshield wiping unit wiping the windshield ...

Reflective sensor for detection of material degradation

A sensor for detecting material degradation may include an optical fiber and a housing through which the optical fiber extends. An end cap may be affixed to an end of the housing. Light provided through the optical fiber may be reflected off of the end cap back through the optical fiber. The end cap may be made of a material of interest, and may be situated in an environment wherein the material of interest is present. A light source may provide input light through the optical fiber. A portion of the input light may be reflected off of the end cap. A light receptor may receive the reflected light via the optical fiber. A processing unit may be adapted to compare a measured intensity of the reflected light to a threshold, and to initiate an alarm condition if the measured intensity is below the threshold.

Analyzing device, diagnosing device, analysis method, and computer-readable recording medium

Provided is an analysis device which enables highly accurate diagnosis of a structure state. An analysis device includes a system identification unit, an input modeling unit, an input generation unit, and a response calculation unit. The system identification unit identifies a model representing time evolution of a structure using a non-Gaussian random process, based on a distribution of response of the structure. The input modeling unit generates a probability model representing a distribution of an input, based on data indicating fluctuation of the input to the structure. The input generation unit generates an input signal for the structure based on the probability model. The response calculation unit random response of vibration occurring in the structure in response to the input signal, based on the model and the input signal.

CONNECTION END FITTING OF A FLEXIBLE LINE, MEASUREMENT DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED METHOD

An end fitting including an end part of the tubular sheath, an end section of each elongate element, an end vault, and a cover defining a chamber for receiving each end section. The end fitting includes at least one transducer for generating an ultrasonic wave guided in the elongate element, the generation transducer being placed on the elongate element in the receiving chamber, the generation transducer having a volume of less than 200 mm, in particular comprised between 20 mmand 50 mm. 1. A connection end fitting of a flexible line , the flexible line comprising at least one tubular sheath and at least one elongate element arranged around the tubular sheath , the end fitting comprising:an end part of the tubular sheath;an end section of each elongate element;an end vault and a cover defining a chamber for receiving each end section;{'sup': '3', 'at least one generation transducer configured for generating an ultrasonic wave guided in the elongate element, the at least one generation transducer being placed on the elongate element in the receiving chamber, the generation transducer having a volume of less than 200 mm.'}2. The end fitting according to claim 1 , wherein the generation transducer has a thickness claim 1 , considered relative to the sheath claim 1 , of less than 2 mm.3. The end fitting according to claim 1 , including a filler material filling the receiving chamber claim 1 , the filler material being in contact with the end section of the elongate element and covering the generation transducer.4. The end fitting according to claim 1 , wherein the flexible line comprises at least one armor ply claim 1 , the elongate element being an armor element of the armor ply.5. The end fitting according to claim 4 , wherein the flexible line comprises at least one inner armor ply and at least one outer armor ply claim 4 , the end fitting comprising at least one inner end section of at least one armor element of the inner armor ply claim 4 , and at least one outer ...

ADJUSTABLE WIDE BANDWIDTH GUIDEDWAVE (GW) PROBE FOR TUBE AND PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEM

A hand held portable device used for conducting inspections of tubes. The hand held portable device interfaces to a tube through an adjustable centering mechanism to ensure that the central axis of the hand held portable device is proximate to the central axis of the tube to be inspected. This can be accomplished by using a conical shaped insertion element or, movable guides that can be pressed against an interior surface of a tube to be inspected. 1. A hand-held probe (HHP) for inspecting a tube , the HHP comprising:a transducer cylinder having a shape of a cylinder with a near end and a far end and comprising one or more transducer rings, wherein each transducer ring comprises two or more mechanical wave transducers and the diameter of the transducer cylinder, at least at the far end, is less than the internal diameter of a tube to be inspected such that the far end of the transducer cylinder can be inserted into the tube; anda housing having an opening for receiving a near end of the transducer cylinder;wherein, the transducer cylinder comprises an adjustable centering mechanism (ACM) that is configured to be adjusted such that a central axis of the transducer cylinder can be substantially aligned with a central axis of the inspected tube when the transducer cylinder is inside one end of the inspected tube.2. The HHP of claim 1 , wherein the ACM comprises a conical-centering mechanism (CCM) at the far end of the transducer cylinder.3. The HHP of claim 2 , wherein the CCM comprises a plurality of stepwise conical elements.4. The HHP of claim 1 , wherein the ACM comprises claim 1 , at the far end of the transducer cylinder claim 1 , three or more guides and a pushing screw.5. The HHP of claim 4 , wherein the pushing screw is configured to push the three or more guides in the radial direction toward an interior wall of the tube.6. The HHP of claim 1 , wherein each transducer ring comprises a flexible beam per each transducer of the relevant transducer ring; ...

SYSTEM FOR TEMPERATURE INSENSITIVE DAMAGE DETECTION

A system for detecting damage in an aircraft structure includes an aircraft structure and a structural health monitoring (SHM) system for monitoring the health of the aircraft structure independent of temperature. The SHM system includes an actuator bonded to the aircraft structure and configured to generate a reference vibration signal having a reference amplitude that propagates through the aircraft structure at a first time, and generate a comparison vibration signal having a comparison amplitude that propagates through the aircraft structure at a second time after the first time. The comparison amplitude represents damage incurred by the aircraft structure between the first time and the second time. The SHM system includes a sensor bonded to the aircraft structure that receives the reference vibration signal and the comparison vibration signal, and a processor configured to compute a gain damage index as a function of the reference amplitude divided by the comparison amplitude. 1. A system for detecting aircraft structure damage , the system comprising:an aircraft structure; and [ generate a reference vibration signal having a reference amplitude that propagates through the aircraft structure at a first time, and', 'generate a comparison vibration signal having a comparison amplitude that propagates through the aircraft structure at a second time after the first time, the comparison amplitude representing damage incurred by the aircraft structure between the first time and the second time;, 'an actuator bonded to the aircraft structure and configured to, 'a sensor bonded to the aircraft structure and configured to receive the reference vibration signal and the comparison vibration signal; and', 'a processor configured to compute a gain damage index as a function of the reference amplitude divided by the comparison amplitude, the gain damage index enabling the SHM system to monitor the structural health of the aircraft structure independent of temperature., 'a ...

Passive wireless antenna sensor for strain, temperature, crack and fatigue measurement

An apparatus and method is provided for monitoring a condition of a structure using a passive wireless antenna sensor having a known resonant frequency when mounted on the structure. A signal is transmitted with sweeping frequencies around a known resonant frequency to the passive wireless antenna sensor. A signal is received from the passive wireless antenna sensor and a resonant frequency of the passive wireless antenna sensor is determined based on the received signal. The determined resonant frequency is then compared to the known resonant frequency, whereby a change in the resonant frequency indicates a change in the condition of the structure.

Reusable piezoelectric sensor for damage identification

A reusable piezoelectric sensor for damage identification includes a piezoelectric ceramic plate and a metal box bonded to the surface of a test piece, where a wire through hole is formed in the center of a top plate of the metal box, and a side wall of the metal box extends vertically upwards to form a striking face for being struck to remove the metal box from the test piece; the piezoelectric ceramic plate arranged in the metal box is closely and fixedly bonded to a bottom plate of the metal box; and wires of the piezoelectric ceramic plate penetrate through the wire through hole to be connected to an external impedance analyzer. The reusable piezoelectric sensor for damage identification is easy to manufacture and convenient to operate and can effectively eliminate the testing error caused by the difference of the piezoelectric ceramic plate.

STRUCTURE EVALUATION SYSTEM AND STRUCTURE EVALUATION METHOD

According to one embodiment, a structure evaluation system according to an embodiment includes a plurality of sensors, a position locator, and an evaluator. The plurality of sensors detect elastic waves. The position locator locates positions of elastic wave sources by using the elastic waves among the plurality of elastic waves respectively detected by the plurality of sensors having an amplitude exceeding a threshold value determined according to positions of the sources of the plurality of elastic waves and the positions of the plurality of disposed sensors. The evaluator evaluates a deteriorated state of the structure on the basis of results of the position locating of the elastic wave sources which is performed by the position locator. 1. A structure evaluation system comprising:a plurality of sensors which detect elastic waves;a position locator which locates positions of elastic wave sources on the basis of the plurality of elastic waves respectively detected by the plurality of sensors;a density distribution generator which generates an elastic wave source density distribution representing a distribution of densities of the elastic wave sources on the basis of results of the position locating of the elastic wave sources which is performed by the position locator;a corrector which corrects an elastic wave source density distribution serving as a comparison target which is obtained in advance by a sound structure by using a correction magnification for correcting the elastic wave source density distribution serving as a comparison target, in accordance with positions of the plurality of disposed sensors; andan evaluator which evaluates a deteriorated state of the structure on the basis of the elastic wave source density distribution generated by the density distribution generator and the elastic wave source density distribution serving as a comparison target which is corrected by the corrector.2. The structure evaluation system according to claim 1 , further ...

A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING A STRUCTURAL FAULT IN A STRUCTURE

A method for detecting a structural fault in a structure includes the steps of, (a) performing a Brillouin measurement at a point along a sensing optical fiber which operably cooperates with the structure, to obtain a Brillouin gain spectrum at that point; (b) identifying at least two curves which, when added together, best fit the Brillouin gain spectrum; (c) identifying if peaks of the least two curves occur at different frequencies so as to determine if the structure has a structural fault. There is further provided a corresponding apparatus for detecting a structural fault in a structure. 1. A method for detecting a structural fault in a structure , comprising the steps of , (a) performing a Brillouin measurement at a point along a sensing optical fiber which operably cooperates with the structure , to obtain a Brillouin gain spectrum at that point;(b) identifying at least two curves which, when added together, best fit the Brillouin gain spectrum;(c) identifying if peaks of the least two curves occur at different frequencies so as to determine if the structure has a structural fault.2. The method of wherein the structure comprises at least one of a pipe claim 1 , riser claim 1 , umbilical claim 1 , power cable.3. The method of wherein the structural fault is a structural fault which gives rise to strain or compression in the structure.4. The method of wherein the structural fault is a crack through which fluid leaks out of the structure or fluid leaks into the structure.5. The method according to comprising the steps of claim 4 , identifying out of the least two curves claim 4 , the curve whose peak occurs at a frequency which is within +−10 MHz of the frequency at which the peak of the Brillouin gain spectrum occurs claim 4 , as being a reference curve and determining if hot or cold fluid is leaking through the structure at the structural fault based on whether the peak of the other of the at least two curves is offset to the right or offset to the left of the ...

NONDESTRUCTIVE INSPECTION TOOLS FOR TIMBER DISTRIBUTION POLES, AND RELATED METHODS

Electronic nondestructive inspection tools for timber distribution poles are provided herein. An electronic nondestructive inspection tool includes a vibration sensor configured to perform a vibration measurement of a timber distribution pole. In some embodiments, the electronic nondestructive inspection tool includes a processor configured to perform operations including estimating decay of the timber distribution pole, using the vibration measurement and a physics model of the timber distribution pole; and outputting an indication of the decay of the timber distribution pole. Related methods are also provided. 1. A first electronic device configured to perform vibration-based condition assessment of a timber distribution pole , the first electronic device comprising:a vibration sensor configured to perform a vibration measurement of the timber distribution pole;wireless communications circuitry configured to provide wireless communications with a second electronic device that is spaced apart from the timber distribution pole;a processor;a storage medium coupled to the processor and comprising computer readable program code that when executed by the processor causes the processor to perform operations comprising estimating decay of the timber distribution pole, using the vibration measurement and a physics model of the timber distribution pole; andan output interface configured to output an indication of the decay of the timber distribution pole to a user of the first electronic device.2. The first electronic device of claim 1 ,wherein the indication of the decay comprises an indication of whether it is safe for the user to climb the timber distribution pole, andwherein the output interface comprises an indicator light, a speaker, and/or a display screen of the first electronic device that is configured to output the indication of whether it is safe for the user to climb the timber distribution pole.3. The first electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the vibration ...

Aircraft Inspection System with Visualization and Recording

A method and system for a vehicle inspection system. The vehicle inspection system comprises a mobile inspection device, a display system for the mobile inspection device, a graphical user interface configured to be displayed on the display system, and a controller configured to operate with the mobile inspection device. The controller is configured to identify a position of the mobile inspection device within a vehicle. The controller is configured to identify a set of notes in a field of view of the mobile inspection device for the position of the mobile inspection device. The controller is also configured to display the set of notes on the graphical user interface on the display system. 1. A vehicle inspection system comprising:a mobile inspection device;a display system for the mobile inspection device;a graphical user interface configured to be displayed on the display system; anda controller configured to operate with the mobile inspection device, wherein the controller is configured to identify a position of the mobile inspection device within a vehicle; identify a set of notes in a field of view of the mobile inspection device for the position of the mobile inspection device; and display the set of notes on the graphical user interface on the display system.2. The vehicle inspection system of claim 1 , wherein the set of notes identified is based on a role of a human operator of the mobile inspection device.3. The vehicle inspection system of claim 1 , wherein the set of notes identified is based on a policy applied to a role of a human operator of the mobile inspection device.4. The vehicle inspection system of claim 2 , wherein the role of the human operator is selected from a group comprising an inspector claim 2 , a reviewer claim 2 , a data collector claim 2 , a customer claim 2 , and a certifier.5. The vehicle inspection system of claim 1 , wherein in identifying the set of notes in a field of view of the mobile inspection device for the position of ...

METHODS FOR PERFORMING TASKS IN A TANK CONTAINING HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

A method of performing a selected task in a tank containing an energetic substance uses an inherently safe mobile platform that includes a marker detector, a control unit, a power supply, a propulsion system, and an inherently safe enclosure. The inherently safe enclosure prevents a spark occurring inside the inherently safe enclosure from passing to an exterior of the inherently safe enclosure. All spark-generating components of the mobile platform are positioned inside the inherently safe enclosure. The method includes lowering the mobile platform into the tank, at least partially submerging the mobile platform in the energetic substance, and detecting a marker using the marker detector. No active physical carrier connects the mobile platform to an object exterior of the tank while the mobile platform is in the tank. 112-. (canceled)14. The method of claim 13 , further comprising: configuring the at least one inherently safe enclosure to not exhibit plastic deformation that forms a path allowing a spark occurring inside the at least one inherently safe enclosure from passing to an exterior of the at least one inherently safe enclosure after an interior of the at least one inherently safe enclosure is subjected to at least three and one-half bar for at least ten seconds.15. The method of claim 13 , further comprising: configuring the mobile platform to have at least two different degrees of freedom in the tank; and moving the mobile platform along the at least two different degrees of freedom using the propulsion system.16. The method of claim 13 , further comprising: configuring the mobile platform to weigh less than 10 claim 13 ,000 pounds.17. The method of claim 13 , further comprising: programming the at least one control unit to determine a heading for the mobile platform based on the at least one detected marker claim 13 , the heading being used to generate the at least one control signal.18. The method of claim 13 , further comprising:configuring the at ...

Structural health monitoring sensory system integrated to a self-adapting morphing system

A system and method for damage detection and for evaluating the real operation conditions for structural platforms using structural health monitoring is integrated to a system and method that permits for the platform to provide a flexible geometric control considering a self-adapting morphing which is capable of providing better operating structural platform performance.

Method and system of thermographic non-destructive inspection for detecting and measuring volumetric defects in composite material structures

A thermographic non-destructive inspection method of a structure, comprising the steps of: generating a modulated thermal wave in the direction of the structure; generating a temperature signal identifying a phase shift between the modulated thermal wave and a return thermal wave emitted from the structure; processing the temperature signal to obtain a first sub-signal related to the phase of the first harmonic of the temperature signal; identifying a first dimension of said defect as a function of the phase of the first harmonic of the temperature signal; calculating a first and a second intermediate parameter, ΔΦ 1 for the first harmonic and ΔΦ 2 for the third harmonic of the temperature signal, by calculating the difference, in degrees, between the phase value inside the zone with a defect and the phase value, absolute or mean of a plurality of points, of the undamaged zone close to the defect; and identifying a second dimension of the defect as a function of the first dimension and of the intermediate parameters ΔΦ 1 and ΔΦ 2 .

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DAMAGE EVALUATION OF STRUCTURAL ASSETS

A plurality of strain values are received from a plurality of sensors permanently attached to an asset configured to carry a load. A strain profile of the asset is monitored based on the plurality of strain values. Additional information about the asset is received. A load rating factor is monitored based on the additional information and the strain profile. An equivalent accumulated damage factor is monitored based on the load rating factor. A remaining life prediction for the asset is calculated based on the strain profile and the equivalent accumulated damage factor. 1. A method comprising:receiving a plurality of strain values from a plurality of sensors permanently attached to an asset configured to carry a load;monitoring a strain profile of the asset based on the plurality of strain values;receiving additional information about the asset;monitoring a load rating factor based on the additional information and the strain profile;monitoring an equivalent accumulated damage factor based on the load rating factor; andcalculating a remaining life prediction for the asset based on the strain profile and the equivalent accumulated damage factor.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising determining potential damage accumulation based on the strain profile and wherein calculating the remaining life prediction for the asset comprises calculating a remaining life prediction for the asset based on the potential damage accumulation and the equivalent accumulated damage factor.3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising monitoring one or more metrics comprising an estimation of stress under a typical load claim 2 , an average daily damage claim 2 , and a predicted traffic load claim 2 , and wherein the potential damage accumulation is based on the one or more metrics.4. The method of claim 2 , further comprising receiving a stress-life curve of the asset claim 2 , and wherein monitoring the potential damage accumulation comprises monitoring the potential damage ...

Cable-Suspended Non-Destructive Inspection Units for Rapid Large-Area Scanning

An automated apparatus for large-area scanning of wind turbine blades or other large-bodied structures (such as aircraft fuselages and wings) for the purpose of non-destructive inspection (NDI). One or more vacuum-adhered scanning elements containing NDI sensors are lowered via cables and moved via a motorized cart driven along a leading edge of a horizontally disposed wind turbine blade or via a motorized carriage driven around a track attached to a vertically disposed wind turbine blade. Scan passes are based upon sequenced horizontal and vertical motions of scan heads provided by cart/carriage and cable spool motion. A conformable array of sensors attached to the cart may be used to collect NDI data along the leading edge of a horizontally disposed wind turbine blade if the scan heads cannot reach that area. 1. An automated apparatus for performing a non-destructive inspection of a body , comprising:a wheeled vehicle comprising a frame, a multiplicity of wheels rotatably coupled to the frame, and a drive motor operatively coupled for driving rotation of at least one wheel of the multiplicity of wheels;a first spool rotatably coupled to the frame;a first spool motor mounted to the frame and operatively coupled for driving rotation of the first spool;a first chassis comprising a base and at least one vacuum adherence device mounted to or incorporated in the base of the first chassis;a first cable having one end attached to the first spool and another end attached to the base of the first chassis;a second cable having one end attached to the first spool and another end attached to the base of the first chassis;a first sensor array attached to the base of the first chassis; anda computer system configured to control operation of the drive motor, the first spool motor and the first sensor array to acquire sensor data over a first scan area on a surface of a body.2. The automated apparatus as recited in claim 1 , further comprising a multiplicity of rolling elements ...

Method and device for detecting a deterioration state of a load bearing capacity in a suspension member arrangement for an elevator

A deterioration state of load bearing capacity in an elevator suspension member having a plurality of electrically conductive cords is detected by: providing a multi-phase alternating current circuitry including electrically conductive legs; applying at least one phase of a multi-phase alternating current to at least one of the cords electrically connected to one of the legs; applying at least another phase of the current to at least another cord and at least one resistor electrically connected to at least another leg; measuring an electric indicator current being at least one of a net sum of all phases of the current and an electric bypass current through a neutral wire being connected in parallel to the circuitry, wherein a peak current in each phase is shifted by a phase angle with respect to a peak current in another phase; and determining the deterioration state based on the measured indicator electric current.

WEAR SENSING LINER

A wear sensing liner for a comminution apparatus. The wear sensing liner comprising: a liner body comprising; a wear surface side defining a wear surface; and an opposed, operatively rear surface side; and at least one sensor carried by the liner body. The at least one sensor being carried by the liner body to sense wear of the wear surface side of the liner body. The at least one sensor being configured to degrade in response to wear of the wear surface side of the liner body and to output a signal representative of the wear of the wear surface side of the liner body. 1. A wear sensing liner for a comminution apparatus , the wear sensing liner comprising:{'claim-text': ['a wear surface side defining a wear surface;', 'an opposed, operatively rear surface side;', 'an insert; and', 'at least one sensor carried by the liner body, the at least one sensor being carried by the liner body to sense wear of the wear surface side of the liner body, the at least one sensor being configured to degrade in response to wear of the wear surface side of the liner body and to output a signal representative of the wear of the wear surface side of the liner body;'], '#text': 'a liner body comprising;'}wherein the at least one sensor comprises a rigid sleeve configured to mount the at least one sensor to the liner body, andwherein the insert is configured to receive the rigid sleeve when the at least one sensor is mounted to the liner body.2. The wear sensing liner of claim 1 , wherein a distal end of the at least one sensor is aligned with the wear surface of the liner body.3. The wear sensing liner of claim 1 , wherein the output signal corresponds to a physical parameter associated with the liner body claim 1 , the physical parameter being representative of the wear of the wear surface side of the liner body.4. The wear sensing liner of claim 3 , wherein the physical parameter is a depth of the liner body in a region of the at least one sensor.5. The wear sensing liner of claim 1 , ...

ABRADING TOOL FOR SENSING VIBRATION

A computing system may send and receive data from a variety of other devices, such as abrading tools and consumable abrasive products. The computing system may use this data for various purposes, such as tracking worker vibration dosage, monitoring inventory, promoting use of personal protective equipment, and other purposes. 1. An abrading tool comprising:a drive component configured to move a consumable abrasive product;one or more sensors, wherein the one or more sensors comprise a vibration sensor configured to measure a vibration level of the abrading tool;a communication unit configured to communicate with one or more external devices, wherein the communication unit is configured to send, to the one or more external devices, data based on one or more measurements from the one or more sensors; andone or more light emitting devices (LED) configured to indicate the vibration level of the abrading tool to a user.25-. (canceled)6. The abrading tool of claim 1 , wherein:the abrading tool further comprises a vibration sensor generating vibration measurements of the abrading tool, andthe abrading tool further comprises a microcontroller configured to perform an action in response to determining, based on the vibration measurements generated by the vibration sensor, that a user of the abrading tool has received a vibration dose greater than or equal to a threshold.7. The abrading tool of claim 6 , wherein:the communication unit is configured to receive an indication of a vibration dose already received by the user of the abrading tool, andthe microcontroller is configured to perform the action in response to determining, based on the vibration measurements generated by the vibration sensors and the indication of the vibration dose already received by the user, that the user has received the vibration dose greater than or equal to the threshold.8. The abrading tool of claim 6 , wherein performing the action comprises generating a warning.9. The abrading tool of claim 6 ...

ABRASIVE PRODUCT FOR COMMUNICATION WITH ABRADING TOOL

A computing system may send and receive data from a variety of other devices, such as abrading tools and consumable abrasive products. The computing system may use this data for various purposes, such as tracking worker vibration dosage, monitoring inventory, promoting use of personal protective equipment, and other purposes. 1. A consumable abrasive product comprising:an abrading surface for abrading a workpiece;a communication unit configured to perform at least one of: sending data to one or more external devices, or receiving data from the one or more external devices; anda data storage unit configured to store the data; andone or more a detection components configured to detect whether an event has occurred that is sufficient to damage the consumable abrasive product.24-. (canceled)5. The consumable abrasive product of claim 1 , wherein the detection component comprises an impact detection component configured to detect whether the consumable abrasive product has been subjected to an impact with force sufficient to damage the consumable abrasive product claim 1 ,wherein the data storage unit is configured to store data indicating whether the consumable abrasive product has been subjected to an impact with force sufficient to damage the consumable abrasive product.6. The consumable abrasive product of claim 1 , wherein the detection component comprises an excessive rotation per minute (RPM) detection component configured to detect whether the consumable abrasive product has been subjected to an RPM level exceeding a threshold sufficient to damage the consumable abrasive product claim 1 ,wherein the data storage unit is configured to store data indicating whether the consumable abrasive product has been subjected to an RPM level exceeding the threshold sufficient to damage the consumable abrasive product.7. The consumable abrasive product of claim 1 , wherein the one or more external devices include an abrading tool to which the consumable abrasive product is ...

AMPLITUDE-MODULATING VIBRATOR FOR PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE MODELING

A vibration device for generating various vibration signatures or characteristics is provided. This various vibration signatures or characteristics allow a single vibration device to be used to test and replicate failures in a subject device across a broad range of vibration signatures or characteristics transferring to the subject device. The vibration devices includes a pair of spaced-apart plates, each defining a slot therein. An adjustable fastener connects the upper and lower plates and extends through the upper and lower elongated slots. A vibrator is fastened to the upper plate via the upper elongated slot. To enable the vibration signatures or characteristics to be varied, the fastener is adjustable in a vertical direction to alter the distance between the lower plate and the upper plate, and is adjustable in a horizontal direction along the upper and lower slots. The motor can also translate along the upper elongated slot. 1. A vibration device for generating various vibration signatures , the vibration device comprising:a lower plate having a lower elongated slot defined therein;an upper plate spaced from the lower plate by a distance and having an upper elongated slot defined therein;a fastener connecting the upper and lower plates and extending through the upper and lower elongated slots, wherein the fastener is adjustable in a vertical direction to alter the distance between the lower plate and the upper plate, and wherein the fastener is adjustable in a horizontal direction along the upper and lower slots; anda vibrator fastened to the upper plate via the upper elongated slot.2. The vibration device of claim 1 , wherein adjustment of at least one of the following alters the vibration signature of the vibration device:an adjustment of the vibrator along the upper elongated slot,an adjustment of the fastener in the vertical direction, andan adjustment of the fastener in the horizontal direction.3. The vibration device of claim 1 , wherein the lower plate ...

Systems and Methods for Monitoring Eye Health

Systems and methods for monitoring eye health. The systems and methods monitor eye health by measuring scleral strain by way of an implantable monitor, a wearable monitor configured in eyeglasses, or an external monitor using a portable tablet computing device. 1. A system for monitoring eye health , the system comprising: a scleral strain monitor comprising i) one or more image sensors,', 'ii) a CPU,', 'iii) a memory storage device,', 'iv) one or more connecting wires, and', 'v) a power source;, 'a) a wearable device comprisingwherein the one or more image sensors monitor a scleral stretch corresponding to changes in distance between two or more preselected target regions on or in a sclera of the eye of a user by recording at least two photographic images of the eye of the user, each of the at least two photographic images recorded at different times, andwherein the CPU receives the at least two photographic images from the one or more image sensors and determines changes in distance between the two or more preselected target regions based on changes in the at least two photographic images, then transmits the at least two photographic images to the memory storage device.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the wearable device is a pair of eyeglass frames comprising the one or more image sensors claim 1 , the CPU claim 1 , the memory storage device claim 1 , the one or more connecting wires claim 1 , and the power source.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the wearable device further comprises a component for determining an angle of a recline of the user.4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the component is an accelerometer.5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the two or more preselected target regions are two separated symmetric implanted objects claim 1 , two separated asymmetric implanted objects claim 1 , two separated symmetric objects claim 1 , two separated asymmetric objects or two distinct sclera regions.6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the separated symmetric ...

Sensor module and sheet module

A sensor module is provided in which a sensor which can be more easily attached to a structure than conventionally and can also suppress variation in attachment quality. The sensor module includes an elastic layer, a sensor arranged above at last one part of the elastic layer and configured to detect a physical quantity related to the properties of a structure, and a film layer arranged above the elastic layer and attached with the sensor.

Prognostics And Health Management Methods And Apparatus To Predict Health Of Downhole Tools From Surface Check

A method includes analyzing historical surface check data to train classifiers indicative of data separation between healthy and unhealthy downhole tools. The method also includes developing, based on the classifiers, prognostics health and management algorithms to predict failures in the downhole tools. 1. A method comprising:analyzing historical surface check data to train classifiers indicative of data separation between healthy and unhealthy downhole tools; anddeveloping, based on the classifiers, prognostics health and management algorithms to predict failures in the downhole tools.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein analyzing historical surface check data comprises removing noise from the historical surface check data.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein analyzing historical surface check data comprises filtering the historical surface check data based on component settings for the downhole tools.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein analyzing historical surface check data comprises detecting anomalies in the historical surface check data that indicate the data separation between the healthy and unhealthy downhole tools.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein developing prognostics and health management algorithms comprises defining functions representing the classifiers to define boundaries of healthy and unhealthy data.6. The method of claim 1 , comprising analyzing historical downhole operational data to train the classifiers.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein analyzing historical surface check data comprises identifying features indicative of the data separation between healthy and unhealthy downhole tools and filtering the historical surface check data based on the identified features.8. A method comprising:performing a surface check on a downhole tool to generate surface check data; andanalyzing the surface check data using prognostic health management algorithms to determine health of the downhole tool.9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the prognostic health ...

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING

Methods and apparatus for structural health monitoring are described. In one example, a method for use in designing a structural health monitoring (SHM) system for use in monitoring a host structure is described. The method includes one or more of a process for designing SHM systems for any given piece of structural hardware, a process for evaluating a given SHM system, a method to quantify the performance of a given SHM system in comparison to current inspection processes, a finite element modeling approach to determining excitation frequencies to detect damage and for selecting the best time window to use for sensed excitation signals, a Bayesian Network based data fusion technique that fuses in environmental information (load cycles induced on the structure) with a damage index (DI) to produce crack detection and estimation of crack length, and a damage location and sensor selection technique. 1. A method for use in designing a structural health monitoring (SHM) system for use in monitoring a host structure , the SHM system including at least one actuator and at least one sensor , said method comprising:creating a first model of the SHM system using a finite element model (FEM);creating a second model of the SHM system using a FEM, wherein the first model includes structural damage and the second model does not include the structural damage;simulating signal propagation and response of the first model and the second model for a first frequency range comprising a plurality of excitation frequencies; anddetermining, based at least in part on said simulating, a second frequency range within the first frequency range in which the simulated response of the SHM system exhibits a relatively high correlation with the structural damage.2. A method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said simulating signal propagation and response comprises claim 1 , for each excitation frequency of the plurality of excitation frequencies claim 1 , simulating signal propagation and ...

METHODS FOR SIMULATING OXIDES IN ALUMINUM CASTINGS

A method of simulating aluminum oxides defects in aluminum castings comprises determining the free surface area for a plurality of particles of aluminum in an aluminum melt, storing the free surface area for each particle of aluminum, tracking the free surface area change during mold filling, and calculating the total area of entrained or surface oxide films based on the free surface area change during mold filling. The method may further comprise a scalar variable method and a discrete particle method coupled together to simulate the aluminum oxide defects in aluminum castings. 1. A method of simulating aluminum oxides defects in aluminum castings comprising:determining the free surface area for a plurality of particles of aluminum in an aluminum melt;storing the free surface area for each particle of aluminum;tracking the free surface area change during mold filling; andcalculating the total area of entrained or surface oxide films based on the free surface area change during mold filling.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method is performed by a computer with at least one algorithm programmed therein.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein a scalar variable method and a discrete particle method are coupled together to simulate the aluminum oxide defects in aluminum castings.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising determining the total area of bifilms created claim 1 , wherein the total area of bifilms are calculated by storing the area of contact between fluid fronts meeting at angles of more than 135 degrees for each of the plurality of particles and summing over all particle areas.5. The method of further comprising determining the total area of flow marks created claim 4 , wherein the total area of flow marks are calculated by storing the area of bifilms created at temperatures below liquidus.6. The method of further comprising determining the total area of cold shuts created claim 4 , wherein the total area of cold shuts are calculated by storing the ...

Systems and methods for monitoring eye health

Systems and methods for monitoring eye health. The systems and methods monitor eye health by measuring scleral strain by way of an implantable monitor, a wearable monitor configured in eyeglasses, or an external monitor using a portable tablet computing device. Certain embodiments of the strain monitor may be utilized to measure the strain on any surface to which it is attached, including, but not limited to, the skin of a patient or the surface of a structure such as a building or a bridge.

Vibration Test-Cell with Axial Load and In-Situ Microscopy

A new vibration test-cell that allows a static load to be applied simultaneously with lateral vibration coupled with in-situ microscopy that allows for the ability to open a fatigue crack up to a desired gap, as well as generate acoustic emission (AE) from vibration excitation, micro-fracture events are captured by the AE measurement while the physical observation of the crack faying surfaces is performed in-situ with an optical microscope embedded in the test cell.

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETECTING A DETERIORATION STATE IN A SUSPENSION MEMBER ARRANGEMENT FOR AN ELEVATOR BASED ON AC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS WITH SUSPENSION MEMBERS BEING ELECTRICALLY SHORT-CIRCUITED AT THEIR DISTAL ENDS

A method for detecting a deterioration state in an elevator suspension member including electrically conductive cords uses a multiplexing unit (MU) to apply first and second alternating voltages to proximal ends of first and second groups of the cords respectively and connect the proximal end of a third group of the cords to a voltage measurement arrangement connected to a reference potential. Distal ends of the groups are connected together. A first neutral point voltage between the third proximal end and the reference potential is determined. The MU is switched to apply the first alternating voltage to the second proximal end, apply the second alternating voltage to the third proximal end and determine a second neutral point voltage between the first proximal end and the reference potential. The deterioration state of the suspension member arrangement is determined based on the first and second neutral point voltages. 112-. (canceled)13. A method for detecting a deterioration state in a suspension member arrangement for an elevator , the suspension member arrangement including a suspension member having first , second and third groups of electrically conductive cords , the method comprising the steps of:proving a multiplexing unit for selectively connecting proximal ends of the cords in two of the first, second and third groups to an alternating voltage generator arrangement having a first voltage generator for applying a first alternating voltage and a second voltage generator for applying a second alternating voltage, and for selectively connecting proximal ends of the cords in a third of the first, second and third groups to a voltage measurement arrangement for determining voltages between the connected third proximal ends and an electrical reference potential;electrically connecting distal ends of the cords in the first, second and third groups to each other via a bridge interconnection;switching the multiplexing unit into a first configuration thereby ...

SCALABLE FRAMEWORK FOR MANAGING CIVIL STRUCTURE MONITORING DEVICES

A device receives information, associated with civil structures, that includes temperature information associated with the civil structures, pressure information associated with the civil structures, stress information associated with the civil structures, vibration information associated with the civil structures, or displacement information associated with the civil structures. The device performs an analysis of the information associated with the civil structures via one or more analytics techniques, and generates analysis information based on the analysis of the information associated with the civil structures. The analysis information identifies a potential issue with at least one of the civil structures, and the device provides the analysis information for display. 1. A method , comprising: temperature information associated with the one or more civil structures,', 'pressure information associated with the one or more civil structures,', 'stress information associated with the one or more civil structures,', 'vibration information associated with the one or more civil structures, or', 'displacement information associated with the one or more civil structures;, 'the information associated with the one or more civil structures including one or more of, 'receiving, by a device, information associated with one or more civil structures,'}performing, by the device, an analysis of the information associated with the one or more civil structures via one or more analytics techniques; 'the analysis information identifying a potential issue with at least one of the one or more civil structures; and', 'generating, by the device, analysis information based on the analysis of the information associated with the one or more civil structures,'}providing, by the device, the analysis information for display.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:providing one or more notifications associated with the analysis information to one or more other devices associated with the ...

Method for analysing a fracture face of a part of a turbine engine

Process for analysing a fracture or crack surface of a TiAl turbomachine part, comprising at least one of the steps consisting in: a) marking on the surface the position and the orientation of cleavage facets, so as to identify a region of fracture or crack initiation and to determine the direction of propagation of this fracture or crack, b) examining the surface and detecting the regions with the presence of equiaxed grains and/or lamellar grains, so as to evaluate the temperature at which the fracture or crack has taken place, and c) comparing the heat tintings of the surface with those of samples from a heat tinting colour chart so as to evaluate the speed of propagation of the fracture or crack.

MULTI-SENSOR WITNESS INTEGRITY SENSING PLATFORM

Systems and methods are provided for wirelessly communicating with multiple sensors. In particular, a multi-sensor platform is provided that acts as an intermediary node and can communicate with multiple integrity sensors. The integrity sensors are each coupled via a wired connection to the multi-sensor platform, and the multi-sensor platform is powered wirelessly by a radiofrequency transmitter. The radiofrequency transmitter can receive data from multiple sensors via one node, the multi-sensor platform, thus allowing the radiofrequency transmitter to have a static transmission beam. 1. A system for witness integrity sensing comprising:a plurality of sensors;a hotspot transceiver configured to transmit a point-to-point radiofrequency energy signal; and an antenna configured to receive the radiofrequency energy signal,', 'an energy harvesting module coupled to the antenna configured to convert the radiofrequency energy signal to charge for powering the sensor platform, and', 'a sensor multiplexer, coupled to each of the plurality of sensors via a respective plurality of wires, wherein the sensor multiplexor is configured to collect sensed data from the plurality of sensors via the respective plurality of wires., 'a sensor platform including2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a processor configured to receive the sensed data from the plurality of sensors and perform cluster-based edge-integrity analytics.3. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a processor configured to receive the sensed data from the plurality of sensors claim 1 , and a transceiver configured to transmit the sensed data.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the multiplexer is configured to collect the sensed data from each of the plurality of sensors sequentially.5. The system of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of sensors is a structural integrity sensor.6. The system of claim 5 , wherein each of the plurality of sensors is configured to sense at least one of cracking claim 5 , ...

SENSING SYSTEM FOR MONITORING THE INTEGRITY OF A STRUCTURE

A sensing system () for monitoring the integrity of a structure has first and second channels ( and ) arranged for sealing onto a surface () of the structure () to form respective spaced apart first and second galleries ( and ). A fluid (F) is in the first gallery () and a fluid (F) is in the second gallery (). A measurement system () measures for a change in a pressure independent physical characteristic: a) in the first gallery (); b) in the second gallery (); c) between the first gallery () and the second gallery (); or d) a combination of two or more of a), b) and c) where the change is dependent on a mass flow of fluid from one of, or between, the sealed galleries due to a crack in the structure. The pressure independent physical characteristic of the fluid can be the conductivity of the fluid or the optical properties of the fluid. 133-. (canceled)34. A bistable sensing system for a structure the system comprising:at least a first channel and a second channel arranged for sealing to a surface of the structure to form respective spaced apart sealed first and second galleries;a fluid contained within each of the sealed galleries; anda measurement system arranged to measure a pressure independent physical characteristic (a) in the first sealed gallery; (b) in the second sealed gallery; (c) across or between different galleries; or (d) a combination of two or more of (a), (b) and (c) where the change is dependent on a mass flow of fluid from one of, or between, the sealed galleries.35. The bistable sensing system according to further comprising at least one sensing device in each of the galleries the at least one sensing device in communication with the measurement system and arranged to sense or enable the sensing of the pressure independent physical characteristic.36. The bistable sensing system according to comprising a plurality of sensing devices in each gallery.37. The bistable sensing system according to wherein the measurement system is arranged to measure ...

METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING FAULT OF FACILITIES USING VIBRATION CHARACTERISTIC

The present invention relates to a facility fault diagnosing method using a vibration characteristic, which comprises the steps of: dividing a vibration generated according to a fault of a facility into a plurality of vibration characteristics, configuring detailed vibration code items by subdividing the vibration characteristics, and associating and databasing the detailed vibration code items for each fault type to store the detailed vibration code items; receiving an input of a detailed vibration code item selection signal for the each vibration characteristic from a user; and determining a fault type of a facility on the basis of the each input detailed vibration code item and association information between the fault type and the detailed vibration code items. According to the present invention, a vibration fault is diagnosed through a combination of a plurality of detailed vibration components by breaking a scheme of diagnosing the vibration fault using only one vibration component so that a more reliable facility fault diagnosis can be performed. 1. A method for diagnosing fault of a facilities using a vibration characteristic , comprising:a step wherein the vibrations occurring due to fault of a facilities are classified into a plurality of vibration characteristics, and the vibration characteristics are classified in detail, thus setting detailed vibration code items, and the detailed vibration code items are related for each fault item and are stored in a database;a step wherein a detailed vibration code item selection signal is received for each vibration characteristic from a user, anda step wherein a fault type of the facility is determined based on a related information between each inputted detailed vibration code item, the fault type and the detailed vibration code item.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the vibration characteristic information include two or more of a main vibration component claim 1 , a secondary vibration component claim 1 , a ...

Detection system, signal processing device, detection method, and computer program product

According to an embodiment, a detection system includes a detection device, an acoustic emission sensor, and a processing unit. The detection device detects a change that occurs in a structure or a change in an environment related to the structure. The acoustic emission sensor detects an acoustic emission wave produced from the structure. The processing unit performs first signal processing to process an acoustic emission signal indicating the acoustic emission wave, which is input from the acoustic emission sensor until a first period of time elapses after a detection signal is input from the detection device. The detection signal indicates that a change has occurred in the structure or the environment related to the structure.

Support Structure Inspection Devices, Systems and Methods

Devices, systems, and methods for support structure inspection are provided. In one example implementation, a system can include one or more sensors configured to obtain data associated with a condition of a support structure, such as a utility pole. The system can include one or more processors. The system can include a communication circuit operable to communicate a data packet to a remote device. The data packet can include a payload generated based at least in part on the data associated with the condition of the utility pole. The system can include a power source operable to provide electrical power to the one or more sensors, one or more processors, and the communication circuit.

Dual slider mechanism

An apparatus for automated inspection or maintenance is provided. The apparatus includes a dual slider mechanism for deploying a probe. The dual slider mechanism comprises: a frame; a probe slider configured to attach the probe; a probe linear guide coupled to the frame and configured to guide the probe slider and attached probe in a linear direction; a spring having one end attached to the probe slider; a spring slider attached to another end of the spring; and a spring linear guide coupled to the frame and configured to guide the spring slider and attached spring in the linear direction, in order to guide the probe slider and attached probe in the linear direction along the probe linear guide using the guided spring.

MAGNETO-OPTICAL SYSTEM FOR GUIDED WAVE INSPECTION AND MONITORING

The present application describes a magneto-optical based guided waves system for inspection and monitoring of assets. The system has a magnetostrictive-based wave emitter for signal generation and a network of optical fiber sensors for detection, both mechanically coupled to the asset, a device with embedded software for hardware control and signal processing, and a framework capable of providing visual and analytic insights about the condition of the structure of interest. The enhancement of flaw detection, location and characterization abilities of the system are obtained through the use of high sensitivity and passive fiber optics sensors with very small size, distributed and multi-parameter sensing capabilities. 2. System according to claim 1 , wherein the angular orientation of the fiber sensors in the optical node is perpendicular relative to the direction of the propagating wave to detect longitudinal waves in the structure.3. System according to claim 1 , wherein the angular orientation of the fiber sensors in the optical node is adjusted to 45°+/−5° relative to the direction of the propagating wave to detect torsional/shear horizontal waves in the structure.4. System according to claim 1 , wherein the network of optical fiber sensors comprises at least one optical node arranged to detect longitudinal waveguides claim 1 , and at least one optical node arranged to detect torsional/shear horizontal waveguides.5. System according to claim 1 , wherein the optical node further comprises a fiber optic temperature sensor.6. System according to claim 1 , wherein the optical nodes are multiplexed in a single optical fiber.7. System according to claim 1 , wherein the mechanical coupling of the optical fiber sensors of the optical node to the structure is achieved by using an adaptive pressing device.8. System according to claim 7 , wherein a layer of newtonian or non-newtonian fluid claim 7 , acting as couplant claim 7 , is used between the optical fiber sensors of ...

INTEGRATED RAPID INFRASTRUCTURE MONITORING SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USING SAME

An integrated rapid infrastructure monitoring system for identifying defects in an underlying surface, comprising: at least one actuator; and, at least one impactor operatively connected to the actuator, wherein the actuator is configured to transition the integrated rapid infrastructure monitoring system from a first configuration with at least one of a motive force and an impact bounce force of the impactor, where the impactor is located on a first side of the integrated rapid infrastructure monitoring system, to a second configuration, where the impactor is located on a second side of the integrated rapid infrastructure monitoring system. 1. An integrated rapid infrastructure monitoring system for identifying defects in an underlying surface , comprising:at least one actuator; and,at least one impactor operatively connected to the actuator,wherein the actuator is configured to transition the integrated rapid infrastructure monitoring system from a first configuration with at least one of a motive force and an impact bounce force of the impactor, where the impactor is located on a first side of the integrated rapid infrastructure monitoring system, to a second configuration, where the impactor is located on a second side of the integrated rapid infrastructure monitoring system.2. The integrated rapid infrastructure monitoring system according to claim 1 , further comprising a high elastic cable or wire connecting each at least one actuator to each at least one impactor.3. The integrated rapid infrastructure monitoring system according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one impactor is at least partially constructed at least one of metal and carbon.4. The integrated rapid infrastructure monitoring system according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one actuator is configured to transition the integrated rapid infrastructure monitoring system from the second configuration to the first configuration with at least one of a motive force and an impact bounce force of the ...

EFFECTIVE STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING

A system is described for performing structural health monitoring of an object under study. The system comprises a hollow cavity structure comprising one or more cavities obtained using additive manufacturing. The cavity structure is sealable from its environment and forms an integral part of the object under study. The cavity structure furthermore is connectable to a pressure sensor for sensing a pressure in the cavity structure. 116-. (canceled)17. A system for performing structural health monitoring of an object under study , the system comprising:a hollow cavity structure comprising one or more cavities obtained using additive manufacturing, the cavity structure, being inherently sealed or sealable from its environment, optionally with the exception of the locations where pressure sensors or connections thereto are positioned, and forming an integral part of the object under study, the cavity structure being furthermore connectable to a pressure sensor for sensing at least one pressure inside the cavity structure.18. A system according to claim 17 , wherein at least one cavity of the hollow cavity structure can be described as a volume being defined by sweeping an area claim 17 , defined by a closed two dimensional curve claim 17 , along at least one path claim 17 , so that the path passes perpendicularly through the plane in which the closed two dimensional curve is defined claim 17 , with the path propagating in at least a two dimensional space.19. A system according to claim 17 , wherein at least one cavity of the hollow cavity structure can be described as a volume being defined by sweeping an area claim 17 , defined by a closed two dimensional curve claim 17 , along at least one path claim 17 , so that the path passes perpendicularly through the plane in which the closed two dimensional curve is defined claim 17 , with the path propagating in an at least three dimensional space.20. A system according to claim 18 , wherein the area varies for at least a ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING A FLANGE CONNECTION OF A WIND TURBINE

The invention relates to a system and a method for monitoring a flange connection of a wind turbine, and to a corresponding wind turbine. According to the invention, one or more monitoring bodies () are mounted on one or more bolt nuts () and/or bolt heads of at least one flange connection of a wind turbine, and a circuit of the monitoring bodies () is produced with connecting cables () such that, upon rotation of a slackening bolt nut () or of a bolt head of a slackening bolt and of the monitoring body () mounted thereon, at least one connecting cable () connected to the concomitantly rotating monitoring body () becomes detached, owing to increasing tensile stress on the connecting cable (), a fault in the flange connection being signaled upon slackening of a bolt nut () or bolt. 1. A system for monitoring a flange connection of a wind turbine , comprising a plurality of bolts that are arranged adjacently to each other in openings of a flange and that are fastened with bolt nuts and/or bolt heads , and a plurality of monitoring bodies , which are mounted adjacent to each other in positive-locking and/or non-positive locking contact on the bolt nuts and/or the bolt heads of the plurality of bolts , the monitoring bodies being connected to each other , via connecting cables , to form a series circuit , wherein arrangement of the monitoring bodies on the bolt nuts and/or the bolt heads and the length of the connecting cables are selected such that , upon a sufficient slackening rotation of one of said bolt nuts or bolt heads and of the monitoring body mounted thereon , at least one connecting cable connected to the monitoring body mounted to the slackeningly rotating bolt nut or bolt head becomes detached due to a tensile stress limit value on the connecting cable being exceeded.2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein each monitoring body is configured such that claim 1 , in an event of damage to or destruction of the bolt nut or the bolt head to which each ...

DAMAGE DETECTION OF A ROTOR BLADE OF A WIND TURBINE

A method is proposed for detecting damage to at least one rotor blade of a wind turbine, including the following steps, monitoring during rotation of the at least one rotor blade at least one internal air condition inside a blade root of the at least one rotor blade, wherein the internal air condition is affected by a centrifugal effect pumping the air inside the at least one rotor blade from a root end towards a tip end and out of at least one hole of the at least one rotor blade, detecting damage to the at least one rotor blade based on the at least one monitored internal air condition. Further, a wind turbine and a device as well as a computer program product and a computer readable medium are suggested for performing the method. 1. A method for detecting damage to at least one rotor blade of a wind turbine , comprising the following steps: monitoring during rotation of the at least one rotor blade at least one internal air condition inside a blade root of the at least one rotor blade , wherein the internal air condition is affected by a centrifugal effect pumping the air inside the at least one rotor blade from a root end towards a tip end and out of at least one hole of the at least one rotor blade , and detecting damage to the at least one rotor blade based on the at least one monitored internal air condition.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the damage is detected when the at least one monitored internal air condition is different from a predetermined internal air condition.3. The method according to claim 1 , comprising: monitoring at least one further internal air condition inside the blade root of at least one further rotor blade claim 1 , comparing the at least one monitored internal air condition with the at least one further monitored internal air condition claim 1 , and detecting the damage to the at least one rotor blade based on the comparison.4. The method according to claim 3 , wherein the damage is detected when a difference between the ...

Composite components with impact detection

A fiber-reinforced polymer composite component formed from a polymer matrix material containing fiber reinforcement. The component comprises a main portion and at least one raised feature extending from a surface plane s of said main portion. The at least one raised feature is arranged to incur visually perceptible damage when the component is subject to an impact with an energy above a predetermined impact energy threshold and to resist an impact with an energy below the predetermined impact energy threshold.

ELECTRO-MECHANICAL FUSE FOR DETECTING MONITORED COMPONENT DEFLECTION

An electro-mechanical fuse is provided and includes a chassis component, an extrusion disposed on a monitored component which is disposable proximate to the chassis component and a sensor. The sensor is mounted to the chassis component. The sensor is mechanically breakable in power-on and power-off conditions by the extrusion as a result of a predefined action of or relative to the monitored component. The sensor electrically signals an occurrence of the mechanical breakage during power-on conditions following mechanical breakage. 1. An electro-mechanical fuse , comprising:a chassis component;an extrusion disposed on a monitored component which is disposable proximate to the chassis component; anda sensor mounted to the chassis component to be mechanically breakable in power-on and power-off conditions by the extrusion as a result of a predefined magnitude of deflection of the monitored component and, during power-on conditions following mechanical breakage, to electrically signal an occurrence of the mechanical breakage.2. The electro-mechanical fuse according to claim 1 , wherein:the chassis component is operably disposable within a computing device housing,the chassis component comprises a surface and a mounting for the sensor, andthe mounting comprises bosses extending from the surface and which are sized for clean sensor breakage.3. The electro-mechanical fuse according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises a conductor assembly comprising:a conducting filament;a body to support the conducting filament; andcircuitry configured to identify breakage of the conducting filament upon the power-on conditions taking effect.4. The electro-mechanical fuse according to claim 3 , wherein at least one of the conducting filament and the body are at least one of:brittle,comprised of laminates or composites with known break strengths, and scored,', 'scribed,', 'pre-cracked, and', 'pre-stressed., 'at least one of5. The electro-mechanical fuse according to claim 3 , wherein ...

ELECTRO-MECHANICAL FUSE FOR DETECTING MONITORED COMPONENT DEFLECTION

An electro-mechanical fuse is provided and includes a chassis component, an extrusion disposed on a monitored component which is disposable proximate to the chassis component and a sensor. The sensor is mounted to the chassis component. The sensor is mechanically breakable in power-on and power-off conditions by the extrusion as a result of a predefined action of or relative to the monitored component. The sensor electrically signals an occurrence of the mechanical breakage during power-on conditions following mechanical breakage. 1. A method of operating an electro-mechanical fuse for detecting a predefined action of or relative to a monitored component , the method comprising:disposing an extrusion on the monitored component with the monitored component proximate to a chassis component;mounting a sensor to the chassis component;configuring the sensor to be mechanically breakable in power-on and power-off conditions by the extrusion as a result of the predefined action of or relative to the monitored component; andconfiguring the sensor to electrically signal an occurrence of a mechanical breakage during power-on conditions following the mechanical breakage.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the mounting of the sensor comprises sizing a mounting for the sensor to provide for clean mechanical breakage.3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises a conductor assembly comprising:a conducting filament;a body to support the conducting filament; andcircuitry configured to identify the mechanical breakage upon the power-on conditions taking effect,wherein at least one of the conducting filament and the body are at least one of:brittle,comprised of laminates or composites with known break strengths, and scored,', 'scribed,', 'pre-cracked, and', 'pre-stressed, and, 'at least one ofthe extrusion is harder than at least the body.4. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising sampling the sensor to electrically signal the occurrence of ...

DISPLACEMENT AND WEIGHT ASSOCIATION APPARATUS

A displacement and weight association apparatus includes a setting unit, a detecting unit, a measuring unit, and an associating unit. The setting unit sets a processing target period. The detecting unit detects weights of a plurality of vehicles having passed a structure during the processing target period. The measuring unit measures a plurality of peak values of displacement of the structure during the processing target period. The associating unit associates the peak values with the weights of the vehicles based on a magnitude relation of the measured peak values and a magnitude relation of the detected weights of the vehicles. 1. A displacement and weight association apparatus comprising:a memory containing program instructions; anda processor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute the program instructions to:set a processing target period;detect weights of a plurality of vehicles having passed a structure during the processing target period;measure a plurality of peak values of displacement of the structure during the processing target period; andassociate the peak values with the weights of the vehicles based on a magnitude relation of the measured peak values and a magnitude relation of the detected weights of the vehicles.2. The displacement and weight association apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein in the setting claim 1 , the processing target period is set with a time slot as a separator claim 1 , the time slot being a time slot where the number of vehicle numbers having not been read by a second vehicle number reader among vehicle numbers having been read by a first vehicle reader becomes zero claim 1 , the second vehicle number reader reading a vehicle number of a vehicle passing through a region after passage of the structure claim 1 , the first vehicle number reader reading a vehicle number of a vehicle passing through a region before passage of the structure.3. The displacement and weight association apparatus ...

Non-contact non-destructive inspection system, signal processing device, and non-contact non-destructive inspection method

A non-contact non-destructive inspection system according to an embodiment includes a sensor, a velocity detection unit, and a damage detection unit. The sensor detects a second elastic wave emitted to a medium surrounding an inspection object due to a first elastic wave propagating through the inspection object. The velocity detection unit detects a velocity of the first elastic wave based on a wavefront angle of the second elastic wave and a velocity of the second elastic wave. The damage detection unit detects damage to the inspection object based on the velocity of the first elastic wave.

RADIATION CROSSLINKED POLYETHYLENE HINGE

Polyethylene living hinges used in “snap top” lids for condiments and the like may be electron bean irradiated to partially crosslink the polyethylene to produce a hinge having an improvement in the number of opening and closing cycles until failure of not less than 30%. The irradiated lids may be used in place of polypropylene lids for condiment containers. 1. An electron beam radiation crosslinked compression or injection molded polyethylene flexible hinge , comprising a one or more webs having a thickness from 0.1 to 1 mm , joining a cap comprising a rim , optionally a planar deck having opening there through and a cooperating planar closing member attached to the cap by said one or more flexible hinges wherein the number of opening and closing cycles to break at a radial bend of 90°±20° at a temperature of 25° C. of the flexible hinge is increased by not less than 30% , relative to the number of opening and closing cycles to break at a radial bend of 90°±20° at a temperature of 25° C. of a flexible hinge of the same polyethylene and the same design which has not been irridation crosslinked.2. A polyethylene hinge according to claim 1 , having an increase in the number of opening and closing cycles to break at a radial bend of 90°±20° at a temperature of 25° C. of not less than 100% claim 1 , relative to the number of opening and closing cycles to break at a radial bend of 90°±20° at a temperature of 25° C. of a flexible hinge of the same polyethylene and the same design which has not been irridation crosslinked.3. A polyethylene hinge according to claim 2 , having a number of opening and closing cycles to break at a radial bend of 90°±20° at a temperature of 25° C. is not less than 280 cycles.4. The polyethylene hinge according to claim 3 , wherein said one or more webs have been irradiated with from 20 to 140 kGy (6-14 Mrads (MR)) of electron beam radiation.5. The polyethylene hinge according to claim 3 , wherein the web is a single web claim 3 , the cap ...

FRACTURE MECHANICS BASED METHOD FOR COMPOSITE DAMAGE TOLERANCE CRITERIA

A system and method to substantiate safe-life criteria of a structure with an anomaly includes a flaw in a critical loaded region of a test structure; a processor; and memory having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to receive first signals indicative of strain energy release rates (SERR) for the flaw at the critical loaded region of a test structure; fit the first signals for the flaw SERR to a Benzeggah-Kenane (B-K) mixed mode curve shape; determine values indicative of B-K criteria of the test structure in response to the fitting of the first signals; receive second signals indicative of SERR for the production structure; and compare the second signals with the B-K criteria of the test structure to substantiate the safe-life criteria. 1. A method to substantiate safe-life criteria of a nonconforming composite structure , comprising:receiving, with a processor, first signals indicative of strain energy release rates (SERR) for a flaw at a critical loaded region of a test composite structure;fitting, with the processor, the first signals for the flaw SERR to a Benzeggah-Kenane (B-K) mixed mode curve shape;determining, with the processor, values indicative of B-K criteria of the test composite structure in response to the fitting of the first signals;receiving, with the processor, second signals indicative of SERR for a production composite structure; andcomparing, with the processor, the second signals with the B-K criteria of the test composite structure to substantiate the safe-life criteria.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising embedding the flaw at the critical loaded region.3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising subjecting the critical loaded region to qualification test load conditions in response to the embedding of the flaw.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the B-K criteria is indicative of allowable threshold values for a composite structure.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the comparing of ...

Fiber optic sensing system for grid-based assets

A sensor system includes a sensor network comprising at least one optical fiber having one or more optical sensors. At least one of the optical sensors is arranged to sense vibration of an electrical device and to produce a time variation in light output in response to the vibration. A detector generates an electrical time domain signal in response to the time variation in light output. An analyzer acquires a snapshot frequency component signal which comprises one or more time varying signals of frequency components of the time domain signal over a data acquisition time period. The analyzer detects a condition of the electrical device based on the snapshot frequency component signal.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ANALYSIS AND DETECTION OF ENCROACHMENT AND IMPACT UPON UNDERGROUND STRUCTURES

A structural health monitoring system comprises a first set of sensors operable for coupling to a structure positioned under ground, the first set of sensors further configured to detect an impact upon the structure while the first set of sensors is positioned under the ground; a second set of sensors operable to be positioned on or proximate to a surface of the ground, the second set of sensors further configured to detect an audible event occurring at a distance from the second set of sensors and the structure; and a computer readable memory storing one or more audio signatures that may correspond to the audible event. 1. A structural health monitoring system , comprising:a first set of sensors operable for coupling to a structure positioned under ground, the first set of sensors further configured to detect an impact upon the structure while the first set of sensors is positioned under the ground;a second set of sensors operable to be positioned on or proximate to a surface of the ground, the second set of sensors further configured to detect an audible event occurring at a distance from the second set of sensors and the structure; anda computer readable memory storing one or more audio signatures that may correspond to the audible event.2. The structural health monitoring system of claim 1 , wherein the first set of sensors comprises piezoelectric transducers.3. The structural health monitoring system of claim 1 , wherein the structure is a pipe or pipeline.4. The structural health monitoring system of claim 1 , further comprising:a controller in electronic communication with the first set of sensors and the second set of sensors; anda transmitter in electronic communication with the controller.5. The structural health monitoring system of claim 4 , wherein:the first set of sensors is configured to receive stress waves generated in the structure by the impact, to convert the received stress waves to corresponding electrical signals, and to transmit the ...

Real-time performance monitoring and predictive maintenance system

A system configured to monitor structural health of one or more pieces of equipment in real time. The system comprises a piece of equipment, a plurality of operating sensors coupled to the piece of equipment and configured to measure operational data regarding the piece of equipment, and an onboard processing transceiver in communication with the operating sensors. The onboard processing transceiver comprises a processor having a first processing device, a second processing device, and a third processing device configured to calculate structural health of the piece of equipment based on operational data.

Improvements in or relating to the monitoring of fluid pipes

A fluid pipe 1 is monitored using a distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) fibre 10 provided within pipe 1. The DAS fibre 10 is coupled at one end to a light emitter 101 and a light detector 102. The light emitter 101 emits light pulses into the DAS fibre. The light detector 102 detects backscattered light so as to provide an indication of the vibration experienced by each section of the DAS fibre 10 and thus of vibration characteristic of particular pipe events including leaks or the lie. The DAS fibre 10 in a pipe 1 can also be used to locate the route of a buried pipe 1 by successively tamping the ground surface at a number of locations A-E in the vicinity of the suspected route of the pipe 1 and comparing the tamping vibrations detected from each location A-E.

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING USING AN UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE

Provided is a nondestructive inspection (“NDI”) system that includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) comprising a body structure, the body structure comprising one or more support structures where each of the one or more support structures comprise a releasable end structure; and one or more NDI sensors integrated to a respective releasable end structure. The NDI system can also include a location tracking system that can determine a position, an orientation, or both of the UAV and/or one or more NDI sensors relative to a structure being inspected. 1. A nondestructive inspection (“NDI”) system , the system comprising:an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) comprising a body structure, the body structure comprising one or more support structures where each of the one or more support structures comprise a releasable end structure; andone or more NDI sensors integrated to a respective releasable end structure.2. The NDI system of claim 1 , wherein the UAV comprises a release controller operable to provide a control signal to the one or more support structures to release the one or more NDI sensors from the releasable end structure.3. The NDI system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the one or more NDI sensors are operable to sense one or more NDI sensing modalities.4. The NDI system of claim 1 , comprising a tether operable to provide one or more of: power to at least one of the one or more NDI sensors claim 1 , control signals to at least one of the one or more NDI sensors claim 1 , and a safety and retrieval mechanism.5. The NDI system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more NDI sensors comprise a mounting mechanism that is operable to secure the one or more NDI sensors to a structure to be inspected.6. The NDI system of claim 5 , further comprising a location tracking system operable to determine a position claim 5 , an orientation claim 5 , or both the position and the orientation claim 5 , of at least one of the one or more NDI sensors relative to the structure ...

ADAPTIVE REMAINING USEFUL LIFE ESTIMATION METHOD USING CONSTRAINT CONVEX REGRESSION FROM DEGRADATION MEASUREMENT

One embodiment can provide a system for estimating useful life of a load-bearing structure. During operation, the system can perform a degradation measurement on the structure to obtain degradation data for a predetermined time interval, apply a constraint convex regression model to the degradation data, estimate a total useful life (TUL) of the structure based on outputs of the constraint convex regression model, and predicting a remaining useful life (RUL) based on the TUL and a current time. 1. A method for estimating useful life of a load-bearing structure , the method comprising:performing a degradation measurement on the structure to obtain degradation data for a predetermined time interval;applying a constraint convex regression model to the degradation data;estimating a total useful life (TUL) of the structure based on outputs of the constraint convex regression model; andpredicting a remaining useful life (RUL) based on the TUL and a current time.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the load-bearing structure comprises a load-bearing cable claim 1 , and wherein performing the degradation measurement comprises one or more of:measuring an electrical resistance;measuring a thermal resistance; andmeasuring a magnetic resistance.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising determining whether a measurement recalibration is needed based on the outputs of the constraint convex regression model; andin response to the measurement recalibration being needed, obtaining new degradation data.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:performing an additional degradation measurement for a subsequent time interval; andupdating the TUL estimation based on the additional degradation measurement.5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising:using a particle-filtering technique to estimate a probability distribution of the TUL based on the outputs of the constraint convex regression model and the additional degradation measurement.6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the ...

STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD

The present invention relates to nonlinear Vibro-Acoustic Modulation (VAM), one of the prevailing nonlinear methods for material characterization and structural damage evaluation. An algorithm of AM/FM separation is presented specifically for VAM method. While the commonly used Hilbert transform (HT) separation may not work for a typical VAM scenario, the developed IQHS and SPHS algorithms address HT shortcomings. They have been tested both numerically and experimentally (for fatigue cracks evolution) showing FM dominance at the initial micro-crack growth stages and transition to AM during macro-crack formation. In addition, the SPHS algorithm is capable of detecting fatigue crack via monitoring of modulation phase. 1. The methods described and illustrated in the accompanying specification and drawings. This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/941,501, filed Nov. 27, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/116,701, filed Nov. 20, 2020, the entire disclosures of both of which applications are incorporated herein by reference.This invention relates to systems and processes for measuring and monitoring the structural health status of a building or other structure.Metal bonding challenges have a significant impact on achieving production goals and maintaining efficiency. The methods of assembly of parts into a mechanical structure presents a range of options for engineers to consider, all of which have tradeoffs between manufacturing and maintenance. Mechanical joining and welding are two widely used approaches in civil structures. The most common structural joining technique is mechanical joining in which parts are put together with rivets, bolts and screws. Welding is also a very flexible joining method that is common across many industries where parts are joined by fusion.Mechanical joining and welding are two widely used approaches in structures. Parts are put together with bolts, clamps, etc. in ...

Optical monitoring device for monitoring curvature of a flexible medical instrument

The invention relates to a method for predicting kinking, breaking or fracturing of flexible medical instruments 100 such as guidewires. Fiber optic methods for determining curvature are known. However, according to this invention such optic methods can be utilized for determining bending of flexible medical instrument, for example by determining when the curvature of the flexible medical instruments becomes smaller than a given curvature threshold. The flexible medical instruments may kink, break or fracture due to material fatigue. To predict failure of the instrument due to fatigue, the bending actions on the instrument may be monitored during the entire lifetime or during several uses of the instrument for determining a warning of a possible risk of instrument failure.

NEXT GENERATION AUTONOMOUS STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT USING UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS

A structural health monitoring and management system and oil and gas monitoring system includes a ground station having a computer, a cloud storage and a plurality of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Mounted to the UAS is a robotic arm and an ultrasonic system. The system includes multiple tiers for completing different diagnostic analysis. 1. An NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) system for detecting structural defects , delamination , dimensions , distances , cracks , and corrosion , comprising:an unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV);an NDT sensor connected to the UAV; anda control system connected to and controls the operation of the UAV and the NDT sensor.2. The NDT system of further comprising a robotic arm attached to the UAV and controlled and operated by the control system.3. The system of wherein the UAV and robotic arm are positioned by the control system so an ultrasonic probe is within a focal length of an ultrasonic transducer.4. The system of wherein the control system positions the UAV and the robotic arm at a constant distance and angle to a surface of a structure.5. The system of wherein the UAV is positioned using at least one selected from a group consisting of tap testing claim 1 , eddy current and ultrasonic.6. The system of wherein the control system dampens vibrations of the UAV.7. The system of wherein the control system transmits and stores ultrasonic data claim 1 , eddy current data and tap testing data collected from the UAV to a ground station for viewing. This application claims the benefit to Provisional Application U.S. Ser. No. 62/419,671 filed on Nov. 9, 2016.This invention is directed to an Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). UAS offer unparalleled and unprecedented opportunities for performing cost-effective and efficient health monitoring and management of transportation infrastructure systems and turbines, oil and gas systems. Current infrastructure inspection methods are, in general, time-consuming, and costly to perform.Testing civil ...

PIPE EVALUATION METHOD, MEASUREMENT DEVICE, AND PIPE EVALUATION SYSTEM

This internal pressure loading system includes an internal pressure loading device and an information processing device. The internal pressure loading device is set at an inner face of a pipe, and includes a load meter which detects the load applied to the inner face of the pipe and a displacement meter which detects the deformation amount of the pipe. When the internal pressure loading device is expanded so as to increase the load to be detected by the load meter, the width of the pipe at which the displacement meter is located is reduced. On the basis of the load detected by the load meter and the deformation amount detected by the displacement meter, the information processing device evaluates the remaining strength of the pipe. 1. A evaluation method for evaluating a remaining strength of a pipe , the evaluation method comprising:applying a load to an inner face of the pipe in a first direction;detecting a deformation amount of the pipe in a second direction which is different from the first direction; andevaluating a remaining strength of the pipe on the basis of relationship between the load and the deformation amount.2. The pipe evaluation method according to claim 1 , whereinwhen the remaining strength of the pipe is evaluated in a state where the pipe is buried in soil,the remaining strength of the pipe is evaluated by comparing the relationship between the load and the deformation amount with an index for remaining strength evaluation, the index being based on unique information, a characteristic, and a burying condition of the pipe.3. The pipe evaluation method according to claim 2 , whereinthe characteristic of the pipe includes a state of a crack in the pipe, andthe burying condition includes a condition regarding a depth at which the pipe is buried and soil texture around the pipe.4. The pipe evaluation method according to claim 1 , whereinan angle between the first direction and the second direction is 90 degrees.5. The pipe evaluation method ...

Method and system for deciding damage degree category

A method for evaluating damage degree and a system for implementing the same are provided. A polygonal line including a first break point, a second break point, and a maximum response point is determined from a performance curve of each layer of a building. A maximum interlayer deformation angle of each layer is calculated from a maximum interlayer displacement of each layer and its corresponding interlayer height. A safety margin of each layer is calculated from the maximum interlayer layer deformation angle and a safety limit deformation angle, safety margins are compared, and one polygonal line having the smallest safety margin is selected. A safety limit point is calculated using the polygonal line selected Damage degree categories are defined using the first break point, the second break point, and the safety limit point. One damage degree category, to which the maximum response point corresponds, is decided out of the damage degree categories.

MEASURING SYSTEM WITH A PRESSURE DEVICE AS WELL AS METHOD FOR MONITORING AND/OR CHECKING SUCH A PRESSURE DEVICE

The method serves for monitoring and/or checking a pressure device having a lumen surrounded by a wall for conveying and/or storing a fluid. To this end, the method comprises a step of registering both a strain of a first wall segment as well as also a strain of at least a second wall segment spaced from the first wall segment, for ascertaining a strain deviation value representing a difference between the strain of the first wall segment and the strain of the second wall segment, as well as a step of using the strain deviation value for ascertaining damage to the wall, as a result of plastic deformation of the wall and/or as a result of wear of the wall. The measuring system of the invention comprises supplementally to the pressure device a first strain sensor affixed on the first wall segment for producing a first strain signal dependent on a time variable strain of the first wall segment as well as at least a second strain sensor affixed on the second wall segment for producing a second strain signal dependent on a time variable strain of the second wall segment. Moreover, the measuring system comprises a transmitter electronics electrically coupled both with the first strain sensor as well as also the second strain sensor. The transmitter electronics is adapted to receive both the first strain signal as well as also the second strain signal as well as to ascertain, with application of the strain signals, damage to the wall. 148-. (canceled)49. A method for monitoring and/or checking a pressure device having a lumen surrounded by a wall , especially a metal wall , namely a device for conveying and/or storing a fluid , especially a gas , a liquid or a flowable dispersion , in said lumen , especially a fluid acting nominally with a static pressure of greater than 1 bar on the wall , which method comprises the steps as follows:registering both a time variable strain and/or a strain dependent on a static internal pressure reigning within the lumen of a first wall ...

System for monitoring condition of adjustable construction temporary supports

A system for adjustable construction or demolition temporary supports is disclosed. The adjustable construction or demolition temporary support includes a plurality of sensor devices for measuring load on the support and signal detection and communication device that being in communication with the sensor devices. The communication device further comprises a display unit and/or audio output unit for providing visual and/or audible alarm for alarming conditions. The signal detection and communication device further includes a wireless transceiver for remote monitoring.

Fracture Time Estimation Device for Internal Steel and Method

A composition ratio calculating unit configured to calculate a first composition ratio that is a ratio of substance quantities of rust collected from a broken surface of internal steel of an updated old concrete structure and a second composition ratio that is a ratio of substance quantities of rust collected from a surface different from the broken surface, a composition ratio calculating unit configured to calculate a first corrosion time corresponding to the first composition ratio and a second corrosion time corresponding to the second composition ratio from characteristics representing a relation between a first corrosion time and the first composition ratio and a relation between a second corrosion time and the second composition ratio, respectively, and a breaking time calculating unit configured to calculate a time for the internal steel to break by subtracting the first corrosion time from the second corrosion time are included. 1. An internal steel breaking time estimation device comprising:a composition ratio calculating unit configured to calculate a first composition ratio that is a ratio of substance quantities of rust collected from a broken surface of internal steel of an updated old concrete structure and a second composition ratio that is a ratio of substance quantities of rust collected from a surface different from the broken surface;a corrosion time calculating unit configured to calculate a first corrosion time corresponding to the first composition ratio and a second corrosion time corresponding to the second composition ratio from characteristics representing a relation between a first corrosion time and the first composition ratio and a relation between a second corrosion time and the second composition ratio, respectively; anda breaking time calculating unit configured to calculate a time for the internal steel to break by subtracting the first corrosion time from the second corrosion time.2. The internal steel breaking time estimation ...

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING A CIVIL ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION

Method for monitoring a civil engineering construction, comprising a first metal reinforcement () contributing to the mechanical strength of said construction, and a reference conductor element (), these being separated by dielectric material () and each having a first end () that is electrically accessible, the method comprising: A—injecting an incident electrical signal which is applied differentially between the first ends of the first reinforcement () and of the reference conductor element (), B—collecting reflected signals returning along the conductors in return, C—analysing the reflected signals and comparing them against reference signals in order therefrom to deduce any potential structural defect () in the first reinforcement. 11011223. A method for monitoring a civil engineering construction () , comprising at least one first metal reinforcement ( , ′) contributing to the mechanical strength of said construction , and a reference conductor element ( , ′) , forming , with the first reinforcement , a pair of two conductors , said two conductors being separated by dielectric material () over a part of their length , said dielectric material being formed by a construction or filling material ,{'b': 1', '2', '11', '21, 'the first reinforcement () and the reference conductor element () each having an electrically accessible first end (, ), the method comprising{'b': 61', '11', '21', '1', '2, 'A—injecting at least one incident electrical signal () applied differentially between the first ends (, ) of the first reinforcement () and of the reference conductor element (),'}{'b': 62', '63', '1', '2, 'B—collecting reflected signals (, ) returning along the conductors, measured between the first ends of the first reinforcement () and of the reference conductor element (),'}{'b': '9', 'C—analyzing the reflected signals, to deduce therefrom the presence of a localized potential structural defect () on the first reinforcement, and the location of this defect along the ...

Systems and methods for fatigue monitoring

A method of monitoring usage to determine accumulated component fatigue damage includes evaluating available data for calculating an accumulated component fatigue damage for a component over a pre-determined time frame. The method includes determining at least one available method for calculating the accumulated component fatigue damage based on the available data. The method includes determining the accumulated component fatigue damage for the component using the at least one available method.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING COMPONENT STRAIN

A system for monitoring a component is provided. The system may include a strain sensor configured on the component, an electrical field scanner for analyzing the strain sensor, and a processor in operable communication with the electrical field scanner. The processor may be operable for measuring an electrical field value across the strain sensor along a mutually-orthogonal X-axis and Y-axis to obtain a data point set. The processor may further be operable for assembling a field profile of the strain sensor based on the data point set. Methods of using the system are also provided. 1. A system for monitoring a component , the system comprising:a strain sensor configured on the component;an electrical field scanner for analyzing the strain sensor; and measuring an electrical field value across the strain sensor along a mutually-orthogonal X-axis and Y-axis to obtain a data point set, and', 'assembling a field profile of the strain sensor based on the data point set., 'a processor in operable communication with the electrical field scanner, the processor operable for2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the electrical field scanner includes an eddy current coil.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the electrical field scanner includes a Hall Effect probe.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the electrical field scanner includes a conductivity probe.5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the electrical field scanner includes a capacitance probe.6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further operable for calculating one or more Z-axis data point in a Z-axis orthogonal to the X-axis and the Y-axis claim 1 , and assembling a three-dimensional profile of the strain sensor based on the data set and the one or more Z-axis data point.7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the component is formed from a material having a first conductivity value claim 1 , and wherein the strain sensor comprises a detection material having a second conductivity value different from the first ...

Estimating method, information processing device, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing estimating program

An estimating method, includes: generating, by a computer, a plurality of frequency spectra based on data measured during movement on a structure at a plurality of speeds; identifying a range of a natural frequency of the structure based on the plurality of frequency spectra; and calculating the natural frequency based on one or more dominant frequencies included in the range among dominant frequencies of the plurality of frequency spectra and speeds when the one or more dominant frequencies included in the range are measured.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSPECTING THE CONDITION OF STRUCTURES USING REMOTELY CONTROLLED DEVICES

Disclosed is a system for inspecting a structure without physically contacting the structure. The system includes a remotely controlled device that includes a sonar/ultrasound transceiver, a camera and a mapping module for generating geotags corresponding to the structure. The remotely controlled device optionally includes an infrared camera and a lidar. As the remotely controlled device moves along or around the perimeter of the structure, the system collects acoustic, lidar, infrared and photogrammetry data to create a virtual model of the structure. Geotagged acoustic, infrared and lidar data identifying faults in the structure is overlaid on the virtual model of the structure. 1. A remotely controlled device for inspecting a structure without physically contacting the structure comprising:a sonar/ultrasound transceiver for transmitting acoustic/ultrasound signals in the direction of a plurality of surfaces of the structure as the remotely controlled device moves along or around a perimeter of the structure without the sonar/ultrasound transceiver contacting the structure and for receiving acoustic/ultrasound signals backscattered from said plurality of surfaces of the structure without the sonar/ultrasound transceiver contacting the structurea mapping module for generating geotags identifying coordinate data corresponding to said surfaces of the structure in synchronization with said transmitting of said acoustic/ultrasound signals; anda processor for receiving said backscattered acoustic/ultrasound signals, and said geotags, assembling data packets containing said backscattered acoustic/ultrasound signals and said geotags, and inserting a time stamp for each of said packets,wherein the processor processes said backscattered sonar/ultrasound signals to detect the locations and presence of voids or distortions in the structure and said mapping module generates geotags for said voids or distortions and corresponding data points.2. The remotely controlled device of ...

Determining a condition of a structural part of a working machine

A condition of at least one structural part ( 11′, 11 ″) of a working machine ( 10 ) is determined by detecting ( 201 ) a force of a changing magnitude to a first structural part ( 11 ′) or a structural part connecting the first structural part ( 11 ) to the second structural part ( 11 ″), determining ( 203 ) a change in the position of the first structural part with respect to the second structural part as a function of the force detected, and determining ( 205 ) the condition on the basis of the change in the position of the first structural part with respect to the second structural part as a function of the force detected. At least a slope of the change in the magnitude of the force is detected.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTEGRATED, MULTI-FUNCTIONAL, FAULT TOLERANT SENSING AND COMMUNICATION

A fiber-optic sensor system includes a structure having a fiber-optic cable operatively connected thereto. The system includes a network controller with an interrogator operatively connected to the fiber-optic cable to receive optical energy indicative of a characteristic of the structure therefrom and convert optical energy to electrical energy and electrical energy to optical energy for data communication. A sensor and/or a data source are operatively connected to the fiber-optic cable through the network controller to transmit data through the fiber-optic cable and receive data therefrom. 1. A fiber-optic sensor system comprising:a structure having a fiber-optic cable operatively connected thereto;a network controller having an interrogator operatively connected to the fiber-optic cable to receive optical energy indicative of a characteristic of the structure therefrom and convert optical energy to electrical energy and electrical energy to optical energy for data communication; andat least one of a data source or a sensor operatively connected to the fiber-optic cable through the network controller to transmit data through the fiber-optic cable and receive data therefrom.2. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the data source is at least one of an avionics system or a flight control system to provide data through the fiber optic cable to the network controller and to receive data through the fiber optic cable from the network controller.3. The system as recited in claim 2 , wherein the avionics system includes at least one of a health monitoring system or a rotor state feedback system operatively connected to the fiber-optic cable through the network controller to transmit data to the network controller and through the fiber-optic cable and to receive data therefrom.4. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the fiber-optic cable is embedded within the structure.5. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the structure is one of a plurality of ...

Smart surface covering and structure having remotely interrogatable antenna node array for remote integrity checking

A method, system and surface covering for enabling wireless detection of damage to a structure is disclosed. At least one array having a plurality of nodes are coupled to a surface covering, such as at least one of a wall, ceiling and floor covering for a least a portion of the structure. An electronic reader is operable to wirelessly interrogate the array and read return signals from nodes in the array. The return signals contain data representing an ID for corresponding responsive nodes in the array, and the returned IDs are extracted and compared to a plurality of IDs stored in a data store for nodes in any given array. A mismatch between the returned and stored IDs for the nodes in the array indicates a structural defect in a respective portion of the structure overlaid by the floor/wall covering.

APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATED POSITIONING OF EDDY CURRENT TEST PROBE

An apparatus for automated inspection and repair of a tube sheet. The apparatus has a rotating gripper pod, comprising at least one tube gripper, a sliding body portion containing the gripper pod; a housing portion comprising at least one tube gripper and a tool head coupling. The tool head coupling swapably attaches to a eddy current test probe and at least one kind of tube repair tool. Novel, auto-locking tube grippers are also disclosed. A serial bus connects electronic modules within the apparatus and also connects the apparatus to an external controller. 1an insertion actuator,gripper shoes,a gripper shoe actuator anda position sensor, activating said insertion actuator for a first time period during which the device is inserted into the tube;', 'activating said gripper shoe actuator for a second time period;', 'sensing the location of the apparatus within the tube;', 'adjusting the position of the actuator within in the tube by retracting the apparatus and reinserting the apparatus with different values for at least one of said first and second time periods., 'the method comprising. A method for controlling an apparatus for gripping a device to the inside wall of a tube, the apparatus having This application claims the benefit of and is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/963,630 filed on Aug. 9, 2013, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,273,985, which claims the benefit of and is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/687,261, filed on Jan. 14, 2010, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,746,089, which claims priority to, and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/145,629, filed Jan. 19, 2009, each of which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.Regular inspection and testing of steam generator tube sheets is critical to the operation of a steam generator plant. Tube sheets are arrays of parallel tubes that can be accessed at at least one end wherein the tube ends are arranged in an single plane. Testing of each tube is ...

ANALYSIS OF LOCALIZED WASTE MATERIAL

A testing method for a component is provided. The method identifies a flaw region of the component. The flaw region is prone to defects. The method then isolates a waste material associated with the identified flaw region. The method analyzes the isolated waste material for an undesirable microstructure associated with defects. Subsequently, the method determines rejection and acceptance of the component based, at least in part, on the analysis. 1. A method of manufacturing comprising:forging a component;identifying a flaw region of the component, wherein the flaw region is prone to defects;removing a waste material associated with the identified flaw region, the waste material created during the forming of the component;isolating a test material from the waste material associated with the identified flaw region;analyzing the isolated test material for an undesirable microstructure associated with defects; anddetermining rejection and acceptance of the component based, at least in part, on the analysis.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the component is a compressor blade.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the flaw region is an area of the component having a transition in thickness.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the flaw region includes a leading edge root end of an airfoil of the compressor blade.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the waste material is flashing from a forging process.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the waste material associated with the identified region is adjacent to the identified region.7. The method of further including determining a tendency of failure of the component.8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the undesirable microstructure is a fine grain microstructure.9. A method of inspecting a component during a manufacturing process claim 1 , the method comprising:forming a component;isolating a test material from a waste material adjacent to an identified flaw region of the component, the waste material created during the forming of ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING AND PROTECTION

Structural health monitoring and protection systems and methods are provided. System and methods utilize structural information and/or enhanced built in testing capabilities for detecting failure modes that may cause damage to a structure. Systems and methods herein may protect a structure by mitigating one or more incorrect forces. The structure may be an aircraft, a rotary wing aircraft, or any other physical structure subject to vibrations and receptive to canceling of those vibrations. 1. A structural health monitoring and protection system , the system comprising: at least one force generator (FG);', 'at least one sensor configured to generate a signal upon detecting a structural vibration;', 'a controller in electronic communication with each of the at least one FG and the at least one sensor, wherein the controller is configured to receive the signal, generate at least one force command, and electronically communicate the at least one force command to the at least one FG, the electronic communication providing for cancelling the structural vibration;, 'an Active Vibration Control (AVC) system, comprisinga Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) system comprising at least one structural health sensor configured to measure a structural load, a strain, or a vibration; anda communication interface disposed between the AVC system and the SHM system for facilitating electronic communications therebetween.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to correlate the structural vibration with the structural load claim 1 , strain claim 1 , or the vibration thereby mitigating an incorrect force applied to a structure.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one FG is a a circular force generator (CFG) or a linear FG.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor for measuring structural vibration comprises at least one accelerometer.5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one structural health sensor comprises at least one ...

Information output device, and information output method

This information output device is provided with: a detecting unit for detecting a rotational speed of an engine mounted in a vehicle; a storage unit for storing historical information indicating the history of a state in which the rotational speed was less than the rotational speed of the engine when idling; a storage control unit for causing the storage unit to store the historical information; and an output unit for outputting the historical information being stored by the storage unit.

ROAD DAMAGE CALCULATION SYSTEM, ROAD DAMAGE CALCULATION METHOD, AND NON-TRANSITORY RECORDING MEDIUM STORING ROAD DAMAGE CALCULATION PROGRAM

A road damage calculation system of the present invention includes a load detector that detects a load applied to a road from a vehicle on the road, and a server including a hardware processor that calculates road damage from the load obtained by the load detector and accumulates the calculated road damage to calculate accumulated road damage. 1. A road damage calculation system comprising:a load detector that detects a load applied to a road from a vehicle on the road; anda hardware processor that calculates road damage from the load obtained by the load detector, and accumulates the calculated road damage to calculate accumulated road damage.2. The road damage calculation system according to claim 1 , wherein [{'br': None, 'i': 'a', 'road damage=(load{circumflex over (\u2003)})*coefficient\u2003\u2003(1)'}, {'br': None, 'i': 'a', 'accumulated road damage=Σroad damage=Σ((load{circumflex over (\u2003)})*coefficient)\u2003\u2003(2)'}], 'the hardware processor calculates the road damage from the load acquired from the load detector using the following Equation (1) and calculates the accumulated road damage using the following Equation (2),'}(in Equations (1) and (2), a constant a is a value for calculating damage applied to the road by the load, and a coefficient is a value affecting the road damage and at least one of an environment coefficient based on temperature and/or humidity, an age coefficient based on aging of the road, a structure coefficient based on a construction structure of the road, and a material coefficient based on a material of the road).3. The road damage calculation system according to claim 1 , whereinthe load detector is an axle load meter, and [{'br': None, 'i': 'a', 'road damage=(axle load{circumflex over (\u2003)})*coefficient\u2003\u2003(1A)'}, {'br': None, 'i': 'a', 'accumulated road damage=Σroad damage=Σ((axle load{circumflex over (\u2003)})*coefficient)\u2003\u2003(2A)'}], 'the hardware processor calculates the road damage from an axle ...

SOUNDNESS DETERMINATION DEVICE, SOUNDNESS DETERMINATION METHOD, AND SOUNDNESS DETERMINATION PROGRAM

A search unit acquires a type of damage and a degree of damage for each member position obtained in a damage information extraction process of a damage information extraction device. The search unit collates building structure information of a building structure information DB, the degree of damage corresponding to the type of damage for each member position analyzed by an inspection data analysis unit, and use environment history information of a use environment history information DB with soundness information of a soundness DB and searches for soundness of a building similar thereto. A soundness determination unit determines soundness of a building that is an inspection target on the basis of the soundness of the building that has been searched for. A soundness output unit outputs the soundness to a display, a printer, or the like. 1. A soundness determination device comprising:a damage information input unit that receives an input of first damage information on damage of a surface of an arbitrary first building that is a soundness determination target;a structure information input unit that receives an input of first structure information on a structure of the first building;a storage unit that stores, for one or more second buildings different from the first building, soundness information in which second damage information on the damage of a surface of the second building, second structure information on a structure of the second building, and soundness of the second building are associated with one another;a soundness determination unit that searches for the soundness of the second building corresponding to the second damage information and the second structure information similar to the first damage information and the first structure information of which the inputs are received by the damage information input unit and the structure information input unit, and determines the soundness of the first building on the basis of the soundness of the second building ...

Detection and Assessment of Damage to Composite Structure

A system comprising: a parent structure made of composite material and having a repair site; a repair patch made of composite material, the repair patch being bonded to the parent structure at the repair site; and a sensor embedded in the repair patch. The system may further comprise non-volatile memory and an interface unit embedded in the repair patch and electrically connected to the sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor is a loop-shaped sensor comprising an electrically conductive structure having an electrical conductivity that varies as a function of a pressure exerted on the repair patch. In another embodiment, the sensor comprises a sensor chip having nonvolatile memory. In a further embodiment, the sensor comprises an optical fiber that is sensitive to changes in pressure on or strain in the repair patch. 1. A system comprising:a parent structure made of composite material and having a repair site;a repair patch comprising a multiplicity of plies of repair composite material arranged in a stack, the repair patch being bonded to the parent structure at the repair site; anda loop-shaped sensor disposed between adjacent plies of the multiplicity of plies, wherein the loop-shaped sensor comprises an electrically conductive structure having an electrical conductivity that varies as a function of a pressure exerted on the repair patch.2. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the electrically conductive structure comprises a microelectromechanical system.3. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the electrically conductive structure comprises a multiplicity of nanotubes.4. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the electrically conductive structure comprises metal foil.5. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the loop-shaped sensor further comprises a pair of output terminals electrically coupled to the electrically conductive structure and extending outside the repair patch.6. The system as recited in claim 5 , further comprising measurement ...

Method for Determining Noodle and Interface Residual Stresses and Properties Under Hygrothermal-Mechanical Loadings

A computer is configured to generate visual representations of a composite filler material, such as a noodle or a crossply laminate, for example, to determine the progressive creation, density, and spacing of a plurality of cracks in the filler material. The composite filler material is disposed at a connection interface between a load-bearing composite structural component, such as a stringer or a spar, for example, and the structural framework of a vehicle on which those structural components are utilized. 1. A computer configured to determine progressive cracking in a composite filler material disposed between first and second composite structural components , the computer comprising:a communication interface circuit configured to communicate data with a remote device via a communications network; and obtain one or more parameters representing characteristics of progressive cracking in a composite filler material that was subjected to an increasing load over a predetermined time period;', 'calculate an estimated crack density for the composite filler material, wherein the estimated crack density defines a estimated number of cracks in the composite filler material relative to one or more loads applied to the composite filler material;', 'calculate a spacing requirement for the cracks in the composite filler material, wherein the spacing requirement defines an average spacing for the cracks in the composite filler material; and', 'generate a visual representation of the composite filler material graphically indicating progressive cracking in the composite filler material; and', 'output the visual representation of the composite filler material to a display device for the user., 'processing circuitry operatively connected to the communication interface circuit and configured to2. The computer of wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to generate a computer model of the composite filler material as a function of the estimated crack density claim 1 , ...

System and method for determining characteristics of a crack

A method for determining characteristics of a crack detected in a material, comprising: determining initial mechanical loads applied to the material, applying a plurality of crack-opening mechanical loads to the material, each opening mechanical load being a linear combination of the initial mechanical loads, and measuring the relative displacement of the first point with respect to the second point induced by each opening mechanical load, applying a plurality of crack-closing mechanical loads to the material, each closing mechanical load being a linear combination of the initial mechanical loads, and measuring the relative displacement of the first point with respect to the second point induced by each closing mechanical load, and estimating the direction of the crack as a function of the amplitude of each opening and closing mechanical load applied to the material and of the measured relative displacements.

INSPECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD OF DRIVING THE SAME

An inspection apparatus includes: a plurality of support members that support a display panel at a predetermined height; a bending-pressing member that presses a pressing surface of the display panel; a sound wave sensor that senses a sound wave generated from the display panel during a bending inspection process, wherein during the bending inspection process, the bending-pressing member presses the pressing surface of the display panel; and an inspection controller that detects a crack in the display panel using the sound wave sensed by the sound wave sensor. 1. An inspection apparatus comprising:a plurality of support members that support a display panel at a predetermined height;a bending-pressing member that presses a pressing surface of the display panel;a sound wave sensor that senses a sound wave generated from the display panel during a bending inspection process, wherein during the bending inspection process, the bending-pressing member presses the pressing surface of the display panel; andan inspection controller that detects a crack in the display panel using the sound wave sensed by the sound wave sensor.2. The inspection apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:a plurality of cameras that capture an image of the display panel corresponding to the pressing surface of the display panel before and after the bending inspection process,wherein the inspection controller detects the crack of the display panel using the image of the pressing surface before the bending inspection process and the image of the pressing surface after the bending inspection process.3. The inspection apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of support members comprises a support part that holds the display panel at the predetermined height claim 1 , and a roller part located on the support part and configured to receive the display panel.4. The inspection apparatus of claim 2 , further comprising:a plurality of fixing members that fixes the display panel loaded on the ...

Passive Method and System to Detect and Measure Internal Flaws within Metal Rails

This invention utilizes sensing technologies in combination with or in isolation of an automated inspection vehicle to conduct inspections of internal rail flaws in steel railroad track. A vehicle equipped with X-radiation sensing is used as a secondary method to assess the deviations in magnetic fields that are sensed by a primary sensor consisting of a single or multiple magnetometers. The magnetometers sense changes in magnetic field that are correlated to the flaws inside the steel rail. The technologies improve the probability to detect railroad flaws and offer the ability to accurately track and monitor flaws. 1. A track inspection device comprising:a rail vehicle;one or more passive magnetometers in an array mounted to the rail vehicle, wherein the system of passive magnetometry detects changes in the magnetic field of a rail without exciting the rail by magnetic induction nor by transmitting an electronic current into the rail;a guide shoe housing the one or more passive magnetometers, the guide shoe positioning the one or more passive magnetometers to measure a magnetic field within a rail while the rail vehicle operates at speeds greater than twenty miles an hour; anda computer system on the rail vehicle, the computer system receiving data from the one or more passive magnetometers; fits around the rail to position magnetometer measurement of a head of the rail, a web of the rail, and a base of the rail, or', 'includes guide wheels controlling a set off distance between the rail and the one or more passive magnetometers., 'wherein the guide shoe2. The track inspection device of claim 1 , wherein the guide shoe fits around the rail to position magnetometer measurement of a head of the rail claim 1 , a web of the rail claim 1 , and a base of the rail and is positionable for magnetometer measurement of track fixtures in addition to the rail claim 1 , including at least one of a frog claim 1 , a switch claim 1 , and a crossover.3. The track inspection device ...

CARBON NANOTUBE BASED SENSOR

A carbon nanotube-based sensor comprises a fabric, and a plurality of carbon nanotubes coated on the fabric. The plurality of carbon nanotubes form a network in a plane of the fabric. At least two tap points are coupled to the plurality of carbon nanotubes coated on the fabric. A first of the plurality of tap points is separated from a second of the plurality of tap points, where the first and second tap points have a resistance there between. Application of a force on the fabric, from outside the plane of the fabric, causes a change in the resistance between the first and second tap points. 1. A carbon nanotube-based sensor comprising:a fabric;a plurality of carbon nanotubes coated on the fabric, the plurality of carbon nanotubes forming a network in a plane of the fabric; andat least two tap points coupled to the plurality of carbon nanotubes coated on the fabric, a first of the plurality of tap points separated from a second of the plurality of tap points, the first and second tap points having an electrical resistance there between;wherein application of a force on the fabric, from outside the plane of the fabric, causes a change in the resistance between the first and second tap points.2. The carbon nanotube-based sensor of claim 1 , wherein the network of carbon nanotubes is electrically conductive.3. The carbon nanotube-based sensor of claim 1 , wherein the fabric is one of a non-woven fabric claim 1 , a woven fabric claim 1 , or a knit fabric.4. The carbon nanotube-based sensor of claim 3 , wherein the non-woven fabric comprises a glass fiber or an aramid fiber.5. The carbon nanotube-based sensor of claim 4 , wherein the aramid fiber includes multiple layers of randomly oriented short fibers.6. The carbon nanotube-based sensor of claim 1 , wherein a force normal to the plane of the fabric induces a change in electrical resistance in said sensor.7. The carbon nanotube-based sensor of claim 1 , wherein the fabric and the plurality of carbon nanotubes form a ...

Apparatus for Automated Maintenance of Aircraft Structural Elements

Devices for maintaining crawler alignment on complex-shaped blades and for enabling the blade crawler to traverse over trailing edge protrusions. Using ball and socket bearings or air pads in place of alignment wheels, the crawler will be able to track along complex-geometry rotor blades, propellers and other airfoils. Using an oversized-diameter roller, a semi-flexible roller, or a dual-roller arrangement, the crawler will be able to traverse over trailing edge protrusions. 1. An automated apparatus for moving an end effector over a surface of an airfoil-shaped body , comprising:a chassis comprising forward and rearward assemblies, the rearward assembly being displaceable along an axis relative to the forward assembly;a drive roller coupled to the chassis for rolling in a direction which is transverse to the axis;a first drive motor coupled to the drive roller and mounted to the chassis, the first drive motor being capable of actuating rotation of the drive roller; anda follower roller coupled to the chassis for rolling in the transverse direction, wherein the follower roller comprises semi-flexible material.2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 , wherein the semi-flexible material comprises soft elastomeric foam.3. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 , wherein the semi-flexible material comprises semi-rigid foam.4. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 , wherein the drive roller is coupled to the forward subassembly of the chassis and the follower roller is coupled to the rearward subassembly of the chassis.5. The apparatus as recited in claim 4 , wherein the rearward assembly comprises an axle having an axis claim 4 , the follower roller being rotatable about the axis of the axle.6. The apparatus as recited in claim 5 , further comprising a bushing which is rotatably coupled to the axle claim 5 , wherein the follower roller comprises a wheel of soft elastomeric foam adhered or attached to the bushing.7. The apparatus as recited in claim 5 , further comprising a ...

Fatigue Fuse Mounting Systems and Methods

Fatigue fuse mounting systems and methods are discussed in this application. It is advantageous in the field of structural monitoring for fatigue fuses that are engineered to break in sequence to both be mounted near each other and also to work toward ensuring the fatigue fuses all undergo similar load cycling. Simply sticking a set of fatigue fuses to a structure can result in each fatigue fuse from an engineered set undergoing different load cycling, which can reduce their effectiveness. Thus, fatigue fuse mounting systems—and methods of implementing the systems—are contemplated in this application. The system includes a structural frame and a fatigue fuse mounting cartridge. These components work together to ensure that each fatigue fuse in a set undergoes more uniform load cycling, thereby improving structural monitoring performance. 1. A fatigue fuse mounting system comprising:a first fatigue fuse cartridge portion comprising a set of fatigue fuse mounting components configured to enable securing first ends of fatigue fuses from a set of fatigue fuses to the first fatigue fuse cartridge portion;a first mounting frame configured to restrict movement of the first fatigue fuse cartridge portion relative to the first mounting frame;a second fatigue fuse cartridge portion comprising a second set of fatigue fuse mounting components configured to enable securing second ends of fatigue fuses from the set of fatigue fuses to the second fatigue fuse cartridge portion; anda second mounting frame configured to restrict movement of the second fatigue fuse cartridge portion relative to the second mounting frame.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first mounting frame comprises a first frame component and a second frame component and the first frame component is configured to couple with the second frame component claim 1 , and wherein the second mounting frame comprises a third frame component and a fourth frame component and the third frame component is configured to ...