Structure Assessment Using AE Source Density and Wave Velocity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structure evaluation methods face challenges in accurately assessing the soundness of structures that generate elastic waves, particularly due to insufficient correspondence between location results and damage degrees, leading to unstable soundness evaluations.
Innovation Solution
A structure evaluation system and method utilizing a network of acoustic emission (AE) sensors, signal processors, and a structure evaluation apparatus. The system detects elastic waves, processes signals to extract AE features, and evaluates soundness based on AE source density distributions and elastic wave propagation velocity distributions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If AE sensors are installed to detect elastic waves and locate AE sources, then damage detection capability is improved, but the correspondence between location results and damage degree becomes insufficient leading to unstable soundness evaluation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple evaluation indicators (AE source location, AE signal intensity, frequency characteristics, and propagation velocity) into a comprehensive soundness evaluation system. By merging these different aspects of AE analysis, the system achieves both precise damage detection and stable soundness evaluation, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and evaluation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces propagation velocity as an additional parameter to complement traditional AE source location methods. By changing from single-parameter (location only) to multi-parameter evaluation (location + intensity + frequency + velocity), the system improves both damage detection precision and soundness evaluation stability simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If multiple AE sensors are installed to locate AE sources from arrival time differences, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the ability to accurately assess damage degree remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds new dimensions to AE analysis by incorporating propagation velocity measurement alongside traditional source location. This dimensional expansion allows the system to extract both positioning information and damage degree information from the same sensor network, preventing information loss while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses propagation velocity as an intermediary parameter that connects AE source location with damage degree assessment. By measuring how fast elastic waves propagate through the structure, the system can infer material properties and damage extent without requiring separate measurement systems, thus preserving all relevant information.
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
The system enables accurate evaluation of structure soundness by combining AE source density and propagation velocity data, allowing for precise deterioration level assessment in each structural region, thereby enhancing the reliability of soundness evaluations.
Implementation Method 1
an AE sensor using a piezoelectric element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
According to an embodiment, a structure evaluation system includes a plurality of AE sensors, a signal processor, a position locator, a velocity calculator, and an evaluator. The AE sensors detect an elastic wave generated from a structure. The signal processor extracts an AE signal including information on the elastic wave by performing signal processing on the elastic wave detected by the AE sensor. The position locator derives a wave source distribution indicating a distribution of sources of the elastic waves generated in the structure on the basis of the AE signals. The velocity calculator derives a propagation velocity of the elastic wave generated in the structure on the basis of the AE signal. The evaluator evaluates the soundness of the structure on the basis of the wave source distributions and the propagation velocity of the elastic waves.