A comparative study of measurement and signal acquisition methods from piezoelectric transducers for damage detection based on the electromechanical impedance

Abstract

This research is related to the regular project supported by FAPESP (grant 2015/ 02500-6) titled "Monitoring Systems Based on the Electromechanical Impedance Technique: New Trends and Challenges". Structural health monitoring (SHM) systems perform the monitoring of various types of structures, such as civil infrastructure and large means of transport, detecting structural damage. SHM systems are an important field of research from both scientific and economic perspectives, because detecting structural damage still at an early stage increases the safety and reduces maintenance costs. Among the various damage detection methods, the electromechanical impedance (EMI) technique is known for its simple methodology and its use of low-cost and lightweight piezoelectric transducers. This research aims to analyze different measurement and signal acquisition methods from the piezoelectric transducers, which is a key stage of the EMI technique. From the results obtained, it is expected to perform a comparative study of the different methods concerning the sensitivity to structural damage, accuracy and precision of impedance measurements. (AU)