DC11 Nalin Kamath - UBRI

To ensure that structures are safe to operate they must be monitored. If this is done periodically by bringing measurements to a structure relatively large changes can be detected. However if we wish to detect the smallest possible changes over time a solution is to permanently install sensors on a structures and study how the measurements they take evolve. With composite structures there is the potential to embed sensors in the component. This can protect sensors and ensure they are able to monitor all parts. Such an approach offers the potential to enable cost-effective operations of a range of composite structures across many industrial sectors. 
A key challenge with embedding sensors is to ensure that any required connections can be performed robustly and without adding too much mass to a structure. Classic wired connections are generally not good at this. Wireless alternatives potentially alleviate this but require regular battery changes or are heavy.
Recent research at the UBRI has shown that instead of using a wired connection to a sensor or a battery powered wireless sensor node, a wireless measurement may be achieved through use of an inductive link to transfer both power and signal. Thus, the embedded sensor does not require a cable connection and may be completely battery-free and passive. Although the core concept behind this has already been established, such an approach has not yet been fully explored in embedded applications. Herein lies the primary aim of this project. 

Keywords: Embedded sensing, inductive coupling, SHM

Research field: Mechanical Engineering