Embedded nonlinear ultrasonics for structural health monitoring of satellite joints

Responsive space satellites must be assembled and tested in extremely short times. Integrity of structural joints is one of the major concerns during satellite assembly and qualification processes. A structural health monitoring (SHM) approach based on nonlinear ultrasonics is suggested for rapid diagnostics of structural connectors and joints. Embedded piezoelectric sensors are utilized to enable propagation of elastic waves through bolted aluminum panels. Signal parameters indicative of the nonlinear behavior are extracted from the received waveforms and are used for assessment of structural integrity. Experimental studies reveal variation of the nonlinear response of the joint due to applied structural loads. These changes are explored as diagnostic features of the method. We discuss theoretical aspects of the nonlinear wave propagation through joints and provide experimental data showing feasibility of the embedded nonlinear ultrasonics method for monitoring of structural integrity.

[1]  Michael D. Todd,et al.  Use of data-driven phase space models in assessing the strength of a bolted connection in a composite beam , 2004 .

[2]  Peter Wegner,et al.  Responsive satellites and the need for structural health monitoring , 2007, SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring.

[3]  J. R. Bell,et al.  COMPUTERIZED SIGNAL PROCESSING FOR DETECTING CRACKS UNDER INSTALLED FASTENERS , 1976 .

[4]  V. A. Krasil'nikov,et al.  Reviews of Topical Problems: Nonlinear Phenomena in the Propagation of Elastic Waves in Solids , 1971 .

[5]  Antonia Papandreou-Suppappola,et al.  Detection of fatigue cracks and torque loss in bolted joints , 2007, SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring.

[6]  Alexander Sutin,et al.  Nonlinear acoustic interaction on contact interfaces and its use for nondestructive testing , 2001 .

[7]  Alexander Sutin,et al.  Vibro-Acoustic Modulation Nondestructive Evaluation Technique , 1998, Smart Structures.

[8]  Glenn M. Light,et al.  Application of the cylindrically guided wave technique for bolt and pump shaft inspections , 1993 .

[9]  Charles R. Farrar,et al.  Monitoring of bolt preload using piezoelectric active devices , 2005, SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring.

[10]  R. Gr. Maev,et al.  Review / Sythèse Nonlinear acoustic applications for material characterization: A review , 1999 .

[11]  R. N. Thurston,et al.  Third-Order Elastic Constants and the Velocity of Small Amplitude Elastic Waves in Homogeneously Stressed Media , 1964 .

[12]  Daniel J. Inman,et al.  Practical issues in self-repairing bolted joints , 2003, SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring.

[13]  Kyung-Young Jhang,et al.  Estimation of clamping force in high-tension bolts through ultrasonic velocity measurement. , 2006, Ultrasonics.

[14]  Andrei Zagrai,et al.  Nonlinear Acoustic Structural Health Monitoring , 2006 .

[15]  Fu-Kuo Chang,et al.  Detection of bolt loosening in C–C composite thermal protection panels: II. Experimental verification , 2006 .

[16]  Paul D. Wilcox,et al.  Factors affecting the ultrasonic intermodulation crack detection technique using bispectral analysis , 2008 .

[17]  Daniel J. Inman,et al.  An Integrated Health Monitoring Technique Using Structural Impedance Sensors , 2000 .

[18]  Charles R. Farrar,et al.  Nonlinear System Identification for Damage Detection , 2007 .

[19]  Masayuki Okugawa,et al.  Effect on detection sensitivity for smart washer configuration and ambient temperature characteristics on bolted joint , 2007, SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring.

[20]  M. Breazeale,et al.  Finite‐Amplitude Waves in Solids , 2007 .

[21]  Victor Giurgiutiu,et al.  Embedded non-destructive evaluation for structural health monitoring, damage detection, and failure prevention , 2005 .

[22]  V. Verijenko,et al.  The use of strain memory alloys in structural health monitoring systems , 2006 .