Characterization and Modeling of Bonded Piezoelectric Sensor Performance and Durability in Simulated Aircraft Environments (Preprint)

摘要

The performance characteristics of surface-bonded piezoelectric sensors were studied under accelerated exposure conditions typically found in operational aircraft environments. In particular, sensor performance was studied for freeze-thaw, elevated heat levels, electrochemical attack, substrate bend and tensile strains, and dynamic vibration conditions. Evidence of both gradual and abrupt sensor performance degradation was experimentally observed due to undesired load transfer processes, which resulted in adverse sensor disbond and cracking events. Models were developed to better understand the critical shear-strain and viscoelastic conditions present in a typical surface-bonded sensor system, which permitted key material parameters related to bond and piezoelectric material type to be identified. Preliminary results will be presented for making improved bonded sensor system design choices based on the long-term exposure conditions expected in typical aircraft flight environments. Future activities are focused on verifying system performance using accelerated environmental testing, with the ultimate goal of improving the durability and survivability of surface-bonded piezoelectric sensor systems in typical aerospace environments.