Theory and method of multi-point synchronous deformation and vibration measurement based on millimeter-wave sensing

Abstract

Although accelerometer-, vision-, and laser-based sensing technologies are widely used in deformation and vibration measurements, the multi-point simultaneous deformation and vibration measurement of large-scale structures with high accuracy remains a challenge. Herein, we developed a novel technology for contactless deformation and vibration measurement using millimeter-wave (mmWave) linear frequency-modulated continuous wave radar, establishing the theory and method for multi-point simultaneous deformation and vibration measurement based on mmWave sensing. The principle of mmWave multi-point vibration measurement and a method of displacement extraction were systematically described using the baseband signal model of multi-target perception. We built a prototype of the proposed mmWave vibration measurement system and a platform for simulated vibration tests. The accuracy of the mmWave multi-point vibration measurement technology was verified and compared with that of laser displacement sensors. Using the prototype system, we conducted experiments on the multi-point synchronous vibration measurement and model identification of the slender hinged flexible rod structure of a certain aerospace equipment in China and then described the dynamic response monitoring of a large bridge structure. Results showed that the deformation and vibration measurement method based on mmWave sensing developed in this work could conveniently and accurately extract the time domain information of multi-target vibration displacements. Our work provides an innovative method and approach for non-contact multi-point synchronous deformation and vibration measurements that could be applied to the mechanical performance test and health monitoring of large structures.