Elastic Wave Source Density Correction for Structure Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional structure evaluation systems face accuracy degradation when impacts applied to a structure's surface are not uniform, leading to incorrect identification of damaged areas due to biased impact distribution.
Innovation Solution
A structure evaluation system comprising sensors, a position locator, a corrector, and an evaluator, where sensors detect elastic waves, the position locator determines elastic wave sources, and the corrector uses correction values to adjust for non-uniform impacts, improving evaluation accuracy by reducing deviations in elastic wave source density distributions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a technique of imparting a uniformly applied impact to the surface of a structure is used, then the distribution of elastic wave sources becomes uniform when there is no damage inside the structure, but the accuracy of evaluation may be degraded in a case in which an impact applied to the surface of a structure is not uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the evaluation parameter from absolute elastic wave source density to relative density distribution. By comparing the density of elastic wave sources in each region with the average density across all regions, the system becomes insensitive to non-uniform impact distributions. This parameter transformation allows accurate damage detection even when impacts are not uniformly applied across the structure surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a reference model of the structure without damage (or with minimal damage) to establish an expected distribution pattern of elastic wave sources. By comparing the actual measured distribution against this reference, the system can identify deviations caused by damage while compensating for variations in impact uniformity. The reference copy serves as a baseline for accurate evaluation under varying impact conditions.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are disposed on the surface of a structure to detect elastic waves, then the position of the generation source of elastic waves can be located, but the accuracy of locating may be degraded when there is damage on a propagation path of elastic waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from locating individual elastic wave sources to evaluating the density distribution of elastic wave sources across multiple regions. By analyzing the spatial distribution pattern rather than individual source positions, the method becomes more reliable in the presence of damage. The density comparison approach (local density vs. average density) compensates for propagation path disturbances caused by damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the structure surface into multiple predetermined regions and evaluates elastic wave source density independently in each region. This segmentation allows localized damage to be identified by comparing density in affected regions against the overall average, while damage in one region does not significantly impact the evaluation of other regions. The segmented approach enhances reliability by isolating the effects of local damage.
3Reliability
If the density of elastic wave sources is used to detect damage in areas with internal damage, then damage can be detected, but the accuracy may be degraded due to biased impact distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the evaluation from absolute elastic wave source density to relative density (local density divided by average density). This parameter change eliminates the influence of non-uniform impact distribution, as the ratio normalization cancels out systematic biases. Regions with damage will show elevated relative density values regardless of whether the overall impact distribution is uniform or biased, thereby maintaining both reliability and precision.
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 enhances the accuracy of structure evaluation by correcting for non-uniform impact distributions, reducing erroneous diagnoses and providing precise identification of damaged areas even under non-uniform impact conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of sensors 20-1 to 20-n detects a plurality of elastic waves 11
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a structure evaluation system according to an embodiment includes a plurality of sensors, a position locator, a corrector, and an evaluator. The plurality of sensors detect elastic waves generated from a structure. The position locator locates the position of a generation sources of a plurality of elastic waves on the basis of the plurality of elastic waves detected by the plurality of sensors. The corrector corrects information based on the position locating performed by the position locator using a correction value set in correspondence with an impact. The evaluator evaluates a deterioration state of the structure on the basis of the corrected information.