Evaluation of strain measurements using ZnS: Mn, Cu as mechanoluminescent material and strain gauge sensor

Abstract

Structural health monitoring (SHM) is emerging as a significant aspect in structural engineering. Predominantly, civil engineering structures have become more reliant on SHM. Advanced sensors and smart materials are the prominent technologies for applying Structural Health Monitoring. Numerous techniques for damage detection of the structures in the field of civil engineering. In this paper, we have introduced innovative smart material, Mechanoluminescent material that enables real-time continuous monitoring and damage detection of the structures. The most prominent ML (Mechanoluminescent material) Mn (Manganese) or Cu (Copper) doped ZnS (Zinc sulphide) crystal is studied because they exhibit the brightest luminescent emission. The present investigation aims to evaluate the strain measurements using ML material and compare the readings with the strain gauge sensor obtained in the Arduino Integrated Development Environment Software (IDE). An experimental approach has been done to produce ML material and to understand the fundamental ML phenomenon. At present, many researchers have developed ML material for the implementation to real-social infrastructure. If success leads the ML material will be a new step for development of modified sensor channel that could monitor a structure for actual impacts with the existence of stress levels acting on it.