Multifunctional Structure Calibration by Optimal Measurement Using Hybrid Approach for Response Monitoring

Abstract

Multifunctional structure calibration by optimal measurement using hybrid approach is developed for the conventional strain gauges for response monitoring. In the hybrid calibration approach, we have used the finite element analysis and experimental modal technique to quantify the measured output of distributed sensors. Smart materials such as piezoelectric (PZT and PVDF) in thin film form are widely appreciated for distributed sensing application in composite structures. The light weight composite structures can be made multi-functional by incorporating the piezoelectric materials to have non-structural functionalities such as sensing, actuation, energy harvesting and health monitoring. In the present study, in addition to load carrying and damping, which are the essential structural functions, the composite plate is made to have self sensing capability with four distributed strain gauges and PZT patches respectively. Further, it has been shown that using a single strain measurement, the finite element strains can be updated at different assumed strain gauge locations in order to calibrate the PZT patch sensors placed nearby to output engineering strains.