APPARATUS FOR MONITORING THE VIBRATIONAL BEHAVIOUR OF STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS IN A COMPOSITE STRUCTURE

摘要

A method and system for monitoring the angular deformation of structural elements in a composite structure in response to imposed mechanical vibrations in which the structure is part of the monitoring system. A plurality of angular motion signal generating sensors are provided at different selected locations in a composite structure, each sensor being associated to a corresponding structural element. Signals output from the sensors in response to vibrations propagated within the composite structure are detected and a vibration signature for the entire structure is established. The sensor outputs are subsequently monitored and compared with the previously established vibration signature to detect differences therebetween designating changes in the vibration response and potential structural failures. The angular motion sensors employ a magnet and a coil in which a voltage and current are induced in response to angular deflections of the structural member to which the sensor is attached. Several alternate sensor configurations are shown.