Sensor Systems for Monitoring Maglev Guideway Structures

摘要

The report is an assessment of the technologies available for continuousmonitoring of the physical condition and structural integrity of maglev guideways. The detection of obstructions on the guideway is not included. No particular guideway design is assumed, other than that the largest part of the system will consist of repetitive reinforced concrete structures, probably elevated, that are aligned with close tolerances. It is assumed that the guideway is to be monitored for the correct alignment of the sections, any unusual vibrations or motions, detection of catastrophic failure, and possibly accumulation of ice and snow. The technologies covered are acoustic emission monitoring (a passive acoustic method of listening for crack growth or other unusual structure borne sound), infrared and visible light monitoring (ranging from cameras to displacement sensors), ultrasonics (for vibration, displacement, snow and ice), microwave monitors (for vibration and displacement sensors), and fiber optics (for networks of strain gauges). It is the conclusion of the report that the technologies described are sufficiently mature to meet the requirements. Any particular application will certainly need development, and some may need extensive development, but the basic capabilities are there.