A self-energy type thermal response monitoring device includes a periphery constraint assembly, a variable-frequency beam arranged in the periphery constraint assembly, piezoelectric patches covering the variable-frequency beam, and an electric signal collector electrically connected to the piezoelectric patches. Deformation of the variable-frequency beam is limited by innovatively using rigid constraint, and a low-frequency thermal load is converted into a high-frequency post-buckling impact to trigger a piezoelectric material to generate an electric signal.

Methods and apparatuses for using a structure as a sensor are disclosed. An apparatus in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure comprises an additively-manufactured component comprising a channel, a sensor including an connection point, wherein the sensor is arranged in the channel, and an adhesive arranged in the channel, the adhesive coupling the additively-manufactured component to the sensor, such that the connection point is accessible external to the adhesive, the sensor being configured to provide a signal at the connection point, wherein the signal provides information of an applied force on the additively-manufactured component.

Systems and methods are disclosed for real time monitoring and recording of events related to the performance and structural integrity of composite panels used in structural components of a trailer and their effective use as an insulating material and structural panel. The systems and methods may include one or more sensors embedded and/or integrated in a composite wall of a vehicle such as a trailer, a gateway configured and coupled to the one or more sensors, and configured to wirelessly communicate information received from the one or more sensors to a server, further comprising software configured to receive, analyze, transmit and display information necessary for monitoring the integrity of the vehicle.

The invention discloses an experimental system of surrounding rock and lining structure under unequal surrounding pressure and water pressure, comprising: reaction wall, lining structure, external water pressure loading mechanism, internal water pressure loading mechanism, prestress-loading mechanism, surrounding rock layer and monitoring device. The Experimental System can simulate the stress characteristics and related deformation characteristics of the surrounding rock of the tunnel and the lining structure of the water conveyance tunnel under complex internal and external loads in the actual environment, and can help to analyze and study the broken appearance of the lining structure and the crack distribution after cracking.

Methods for performing maintenance operations using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The methods are enabled by equipping a UAV with a maintenance tool capable of performing a desired maintenance operation (e.g., nondestructive inspection) on a limited-access surface of a large structure or object (e.g., a wind turbine blade). The UAV uses re-orientation of lifting means (e.g., vertical rotors) to move the maintenance tool continuously or intermittently across the surface of the structure while maintaining contact with the surface of the structure undergoing maintenance.

Systems and methods for printed multifunctional skin are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a smart device includes providing a structure, placing a sensor over an outer surface of the structure, and placing conductive traces over the outer surface of the structure. The conductive traces electrically connect the sensor to electronics.

A method of examining the integrity of an aircraft structure including determining an electrical conductivity or resistivity of the metal matrix composite of the aircraft structure. An apparatus for performing such a method is also provided. A method of estimating damage in an aircraft structure and a method of estimating the remaining operational life of an aircraft structure are also provided.

The invention describes an electrical component (10) which at least comprises a section (12) configured as a sensor (sensor section) made of concrete and which contains electrically conductive aggregates (22) which are present in a region (24) near the surface of at least one outer surface (20) of the section (12) in a higher spatial density than in the remaining section (12). In addition, a method for its production and a use of the component (10) are described.

A structure to be monitored for damage and a method of monitoring the structure for damage are provided. The structure has a coating thereon, the coating defining a surface having characteristics which vary in a predetermined manner with damage to the structure. The surface has a series of conductive tracks applied thereto and in intimate contact therewith such that the said predetermined variation of the surface characteristics will vary the resistance of the series of conductive tracks in a predetermined manner in order to determine both location and extent of damage.

A low power consumption multi-contact micro electro-mechanical strain/displacement sensor and miniature autonomous self-contained systems for recording of stress and usage history with direct output suitable for fatigue and load spectrum analysis are provided. In aerospace applications the system can assist in prediction of fatigue of a component subject to mechanical stresses as well as in harmonizing maintenance and overhauls intervals. In alternative applications, i.e. civil structures, general machinery, marine and submarine vessels, etc., the system can autonomously record strain history, strain spectrum or maximum values of the strain over a prolonged period of time using an internal power supply or a power supply combined with an energy harvesting device. The sensor is based on MEMS technology and incorporates a micro array of flexible micro or nano-size cantilevers. The system can have extremely low power consumption while maintaining precision and temperature/humidify independence.