Damage Assessment of High-speed EMU Train Bolsters Via PZT Sensor Network-based SHM Technology

Abstract

Structural health monitoring (SHM) technology is a popular method for determining the integrity of structures. A case study of using SHM technology to monitor the structural integrity of high-speed EMU train bolsters is performed. SMART Layers™, which are a kind of PZT (lead zirconate titanate) sensor networks, are employed to collect sensor data based on the propagation of guided waves. The sensor network works with hardware, cables, and diagnostic computer with software installed can become a complete SHM system. In this paper, the work of wave propagation test has been conducted to confirm many fundamental parameters, such as wave propagation distance, driving frequency and critical damage size. The customized SMART Layers™ were manufactured and installed on a bolster structure to evaluate the functions of SHM technology. The bench test on a full-scale bolster component has been conducted in the laboratory of CRRC. Experimental results show that the system integrated with SMART Layers™, hardware and software can accurately detect, locate and evaluate the size of cracks. However, there are some deficiency results from the bench tests requiring improvement in the near future, such as to improve the density of SMART Layers™ to defect a smaller crack, to upgrade the software and to satisfy the baseline data number in order to improve the performance of the system.