Research Activities: 2012
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Structural Health Monitoring and Remote Sensing of Transportation Infrastructure Using Embedded Frequency Selective Surfaces |
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| Status | Complete View Final Report: PDF |
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| Sequential Number | R365 | ||||
| Identification Number | 00043736 | ||||
| Matching Research Agency |
Missouri University of Science and Technology, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering |
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| Principal Investigator |
Edward Kinzel |
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| Student Involvement |
Student will work to design, fabricate, and test Frequency Selective Surfaces to detect strain in composite structures. This will consist of both finite element modeling as well as experimental testing. |
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| Project Objective | Demonstrate the ability to remotely determine the strain in a composite system and test the ability to detect damage such as delamination. | ||||
| Project Abstract | Frequency Selective Surfaces (FSS) have long been used in the RF/microwave community to control Radar Cross-Section. The scattering parameters of the FSS form a signature which is a function of the frequency, element size and spacing, as well as the local electromagnetic environment, but with proper design is largely independent of angle. These attributes can be related to engineering parameters of a transportation structure such as strain, temperature, moisture, and damage such as cracking or delamination. We will integrate a FSS into a structure (initially on the surface and eventually embedded within layers). This will allow the properties of the structure to be remotely detected. This application of FSS has significant potential for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). For example the strain on gusset plates as well as other parts of a bridge can be detected from a considerable standoff. Other applications that will be considered are embedding FSS into concrete or composites. Each of these require effective manufacturing approaches which we will begin to develop. After implementation, a in service component can be quickly and remotely interrogated for damage, initially using standard microwave network-analyzer/antennas. Additional localized inspection can be performed on an asneeded basis to determine more detailed information regarding local strain field (or other relevant parameters). |
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Relationship to other Research/Projects |
This is a new area of research for PI Kinzel and Co-PI’s Donnell and Chandrashekhara. This project builds upon each researcher’s respective expertise in microwave NDT, direct-write electronics printing/FSS design, and composite manufacture, proving a new avenue for interdisciplinary research. |
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Transportation-Related Keywords |
Structural health monitoring, microwave nondestructive testing, transportation infrastructure, and composites. | ||||
Technology Transfer Activities |
At the conclusion of this project, a journal paper will be submitted to a suitable, peer-reviewed publication. A final report summarizing the findings of this research will be submitted at the completion of the project. A short article will be submitted for the CTIS newsletter if requested and a presentation will be given at the Missouri S&T Transportation Infrastructure Conference, should this project be selected for the program. |
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Project Deliverables |
Prototype of instrumented structure. At the conclusion of this project, a journal paper will be submitted to a suitable, peer-reviewed publication. A final report summarizing the findings of this research will also be submitted. | ||||
Anticipated Benefits |
By embedding a FSS into transportation structures we can create a system for remotely monitoring the strain (as well as other health attributes). This will be equivalent to embedding strain rosettes everywhere in the structure. However without the issues of wiring and instead of measuring changes in resistance we will measure the shift in resonant frequency using a standard microwave setup. |
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Milestones |
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