Zhen, Xu

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    Wireless interrogation of passive crack sensor
    (2010-12) Zhen, Xu; Jia, Yi; College of Engineering; Valentín, Ricky; Portela, Genock; Department of Mechanical Engineering; Gonzalez, Ana
    As crack location and length is one of the key performance parameters that affects the life of mechanical components and civil structures, crack sensing has become one of the most vital technologies in structure heath monitoring. It is desirable that the sensor can be non-obtrusively embedded into the structures or systems to be monitored, whereas, no physical connections for power supply or data acquisition is required. The primary objective of the project is to conduct basic research into the crack sensing mechanism of the proposed passive wireless sensor, aiming at developing a novel crack micro-sensor and fabrication of associated electronics for remote power supply and wireless data acquisition. To this end, a passive wireless crack sensor, being able to operate in crack detecting, has been developed in this research project. The design of the sensor comprises of two major components: an interdigital capacitor (IDC) serving as cracking sensing element and a spiral inductor functioning as passive power source and communication unit. The sensor is activated by electromagnetic wave. The frequency response of the sensor can be monitored by interrogating the sensor remotely with a single loop antenna. The employment of inductor eliminates the conventional wire connection for power supply and data transmission. A model has been established to simulate the sensor working mechanism. With this model, the relationship between resonant frequency of the sensor and crack formation and developing effect was thoroughly investigated. Moreover, sensor performance was analyzed to optimize the sensor configuration, maximize sensing distance, Q factor and sensitivity. The sensor prototype was then successfully fabricated to demonstrate the concept of a crack sensing device using passive wireless communication.