Non-Contact Acoustic Crack Detection for Underwater Structures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Detecting surface cracks in underwater structures is challenging due to their depth and the difficulty in inspecting them using conventional methods, which can lead to instability and potential structural failure if not addressed early.
Innovation Solution
A system using acoustic signals transmitted and received without physical contact to the structure, analyzing the resulting acoustic fields for harmonic changes indicative of cracks, allowing for early detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional inspection methods are used on underwater structures, then the inspection process becomes complex and difficult to perform, but crack detection capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical contact-based inspection methods with acoustic field-based detection. Acoustic signals are transmitted through the structure and received without physical contact, using wave propagation characteristics to detect cracks. This substitution of mechanical systems with acoustic field methods enables detection of small cracks in underwater structures while simplifying the inspection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic fields as an intermediary medium between the inspector and the structure. Instead of direct mechanical contact or visual inspection, acoustic waves serve as the mediator that carries information about the structure's internal condition, including crack locations and characteristics, to the receiver without requiring physical contact with the structure.
2Reliability
If early detection of small cracks is achieved, then structural integrity can be maintained, but detection sensitivity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes acoustic vibrations and wave propagation through the structure to detect cracks. By transmitting acoustic signals at specific frequencies and analyzing the resulting vibrations and harmonic changes, the system can detect small cracks that would not be apparent through conventional methods. The vibration-based approach enhances sensitivity to early-stage cracking while maintaining structural reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs changes in acoustic signal parameters (frequency, amplitude, harmonic content) as cracks develop in the structure. By monitoring parameter changes in the received acoustic fields compared to the transmitted signals, the system can detect early signs of cracking. This parameter-based detection method increases sensitivity to small cracks while preserving structural integrity through non-intrusive measurement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate detection of small cracks in underwater structures, facilitating timely corrective actions to maintain structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a first acoustic signal transmitter configured to emit a first plurality of acoustic signals at a first frequency toward the first portion of the underwater structure... a first acoustic field receiver configured to measure a first plurality of resulting acoustic fields, where the first plurality of resulting acoustic fields emanate from the first plurality of acoustic signals traveling through the first portion of the underwater structure
Data Source
AI summary
A system for detecting cracks in an underwater structure can include an acoustic signal transmitter configured to be disposed proximate to, but without physically contacting, the underwater structure, where the acoustic signal transmitter is configured to emit acoustic signals. The system can also include an acoustic field receiver configured to be disposed proximate to, but without physically contacting, the underwater structure, where the acoustic field receiver is configured to receive resulting acoustic fields. The system can further include a controller that is configured to receive the resulting acoustic fields from the acoustic field receiver. The controller can also be configured to analyze the resulting acoustic fields signal. The controller can further be configured to detect, based on analyzing the resulting acoustic fields, a crack in the underwater structure.