Signal acquisition and processing techniques in non-destructive monitoring systems

Abstract

The development of non-destructive monitoring systems has been an important field of scientific research and technological innovation. Such systems allow non-invasive monitoring of various types of structures and industrial processes, detecting damage and incipient failures. Among the various non-destructive methods for detecting damage and failures, those based on piezoelectric transducers are of interest to this research, such as electromechanical impedance, guided waves, and acoustic emission methods. Due to the piezoelectric effect, when a transducer is installed in the structure to be monitored, an interaction is established between the mechanical properties of the structure and the electrical properties of the transducer. Therefore, it is possible to monitor the integrity of the structure or process by measuring and analyzing the electrical signals from the transducer that can be obtained through natural or forced excitation of the structure, depending on the method used. However, for faults and small damage to be detected efficiently, it is fundamental that the acquisition and processing of the electrical signals from the transducers are performed properly. Therefore, this research project aims to analyze and propose advanced techniques for acquiring and processing signals in monitoring systems based on piezoelectric transducers. Signal acquisition and processing techniques aim to increase sensitivity, allowing the detection of small damage at an early stage, as well as making the monitoring system insensitive to environmental conditions such as noise and temperature variation. The development of such techniques can be both in the time domain and in the frequency domain and will consist of theoretical approaches and experimental tests in different types of structure, having as principle the damage detection methods based on electromechanical impedance, guided waves, and acoustic emission, focusing primarily on the electromechanical impedance. According to the description above, the proposed project has a scientific research profile with potential for technological application. Therefore, at the end of this project, a quality scientific production related to the supervision of undergraduate and graduate students, as well as patent applications, is expected. (AU)