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Damage detection using embedded piezoelectric elements

Book ·
OSTI ID:89756
; ;  [1]
  1. Univ. of Kentucky, Lexington, KY (United States)
An experimental program using embedded piezoelectric elements to sense damage development in structural composites is described. Two approaches are taken; in one approach an embedded piezoelectric element is used as an actuator to apply an oscillatory function and the remaining embedded elements monitor the response of the composite, whereas in the other approach an external pulse is applied and all of the embedded elements monitor the response of the composite. Procedures for fabrication of glass fiber/epoxy composites with embedded piezoelectric elements are described. Both damaged and undamaged composites were tested under forced oscillation and free vibration due to external pulse; results are reported for laminates and beams. The variation of response with material direction is discussed.
OSTI ID:
89756
Report Number(s):
CONF-9409291--; ISBN 1-56676-220-0
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English