AbstractsEngineering

Characterization and Design of Spiral Frequency Steerable Acoustic Transducers

by Rohan Repale




Institution: University of Toledo
Department: College of Engineering
Degree: MSin Electrical Engineering
Year: 2014
Keywords: Aerospace Materials; Engineering; Electrical Engineering; FSAT; SHM; NDT; Frequency Steerable Acoustic Transducers;
Record ID: 2024507
Full text PDF: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1387416019


Abstract

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is an emerging research area devoted to improving the safety and maintainability of civil structures. Guided wave structural testing method is an effective approach used for SHM of plate-like structures using piezoelectric transducers. These transducers are attached to the surface of the structure and are capable of sensing its health by using surface waves. Transducers with beam steering i.e. electronic scanning capabilities can perform surface interrogation with higher precision and ease. A frequency steerable acoustic transducer (FSAT) is capable of beam steering and directional surface wave sensing to detect and localize damage in structures. The objective of this research is to further explore the possibilities of FSAT technology by designing and testing new FSAT designs. The beam steering capability of FSAT can be controlled by manipulating its design parameters. These design parameters therefore play a significant role in FSAT's performance. Studying the design parameters and documenting the performance improvements based on parameter variation is the primary goal of this research.Design and characterization of spiral FSAT was performed and results were simulated. Array FSAT documented results were validated. Modified designs were modeled based on design parameter variations. Characterization of these designs was done and their performance was recorded. Plate simulation results confirm direct relationship between design parameters and beam steering. A set of guidelines for future designs was also proposed. Two designs developed based on the set guidelines were sent to our collaborator Genziko Inc. for fabrication.