Automation Using Matrix Switch for Piezoelectric Actuator/Sensor Based Structural Health Monitoring

Abstract:

The implementation of the switch is the stepstone of a fully automated structural health monitoring (SHM) System. This paper attempted to tackle the hardware connectivity issues when dense transducer arrays present in the system with the switch that features the matrix topology. The program that controls the instruments and automates the data acquisition for SHM system was developed in LabVIEW, in which a scanning approach that sensorises the interrogation area and a hybrid programming technique are employed. Through interfacing with a top-level GUI of the program, it is easy to be controlled and employed. The solution showed a significant reduction in testing time comparing that with manual switch operation and a weight-saving solution as a minimum number of shielded cable needed. In addition, because only one channel each from the signal generator and digitiser is required, it is less demanding on the specification of the instruments. The prototype of the current system can be scaled up for testing on a larger structure due to its modular nature in both PXI express system and software design.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volume 627)
• Pages: 213-216
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.627.213
• Online since: September 2014
• Authors: Shi Yang Meng*, M.H. Aliabadi
• Keywords: Automatic Switching, Hybrid Programming, Lamb Wave, Matrix Topology, Piezoelectric Actuator/Sensor, Structural Health Monitoring (SHM)

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