Ferromagnetic Core Impedance Measurement for Composite Fiber Density

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current non-destructive methods for evaluating the distribution and orientation of ferromagnetic, electrically conductive fibers in composite materials, such as steel-fibre-reinforced concrete, are limited in accurately determining density and homogeneity, and fail to provide precise information on fiber position and orientation.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a C, U, or E-shaped ferromagnetic core with adjustable frequency electric coils to measure complex impedance at various positions and angles, allowing for the evaluation of mass density and distribution homogeneity of ferromagnetic and electrically conductive fibers by setting the device to resonate at specific quality factors, enabling accurate density and volume calculations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If non-destructive methods are used to evaluate fiber distribution, then the material structure is preserved, but the accuracy of determining density and homogeneity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial structure preservationVSAvoiddensity and homogeneity determination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the frequency parameter of the magnetic field to match the resonant frequency of the ferromagnetic fibers. By tuning the excitation frequency to the natural resonant frequency, the method achieves enhanced sensitivity and accurate measurement of fiber density and orientation without requiring material destruction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes magnetic resonance vibration by exciting the ferromagnetic fibers at their natural resonant frequency. The resonant oscillation of the magnetic moments provides a strong signal that enables precise non-destructive measurement of fiber distribution, density, and orientation parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

2Reliability

If impedance spectroscopy is used to evaluate magnetic permeability, then non-destructive evaluation is achieved, but the ability to determine fiber density and orientation accurately deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenon-destructive evaluation capabilityVSAvoidfiber density and orientation measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs magnetic resonance by exciting the ferromagnetic fibers at their natural resonant frequency. This resonant excitation produces a strong, frequency-specific signal that enables accurate determination of fiber density, volume fraction, and orientation while maintaining non-destructive evaluation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from broadband impedance spectroscopy to frequency-selective resonant excitation. By changing the approach from evaluating magnetic permeability across a frequency range to targeting the specific resonant frequency of the fibers, the method achieves superior precision in measuring fiber distribution and orientation parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This method provides a reproducible and accurate evaluation of fiber density and orientation within a guaranteed scatter range, overcoming the limitations of existing methods by ensuring high sensitivity and applicability to various composite materials, including those in civil engineering and aerospace applications.

Implementation Method 1

setting the device to resonate at specific quality factors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic resonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

electric coils to measure complex impedance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

C, U, or E-shaped ferromagnetic core

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3215840B1Method for evaluating the distribution, density and orientation of ferromagnetic, electrically conductive fibres in a composite material
Publication Date: 2019.01.02 VYSOKE UCENI TECHNICKE V BRNE
  • EP3215840B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3215840B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP3215840B1 patent drawingFigure 1c

AI summary

A method and a device for evaluating the distribution and orientation of ferromagnetic, electrically conductive fibres in a composite material are disclosed. The principle consists in repeatable evaluation of the density of ferromagnetic, electrically conductive fibres at the measured location, and such evaluation is performed within a guaranteed scatter range of the measured data and at a guaranteed accuracy rate. A device to perform the method comprises a C, U or E-shaped ferromagnetic core (1) with distributed or uniform winding of the electric coil (2), where the ferromagnetic core (1) exhibits dimensions A, B, and C, for which we have C≥3B and B≈A, where A denotes the width of an arm (1.2), B represents the depth of an arm (1.2), and C is the length of the base (1.1). The ferromagnetic core (1) is equipped with at least two electric coils (2) and, to ensure strong electromagnetic coupling on the ferromagnetic core (1), the winding of the electric coil (2) is configured on both arms of the ferromagnetic core (1). The leads of the electric coil (2) winding are, at the winding terminals (3), connected to an external electric circuit (17) including an electric voltage generator (16) with adjustable frequency f and a measuring device (18).