Power and energy transduction analysis of piezoelectric wafer-active sensors for structural health monitoring

Abstract

This article presents a systematic investigation of power and energy transduction in piezoelectric wafer-active sensors (PWAS) for structural health monitoring (SHM). After a literature review of the state-of-the-art, we developed a predictive modeling of the multi-physics power and energy transduction between structurally guided waves and PWAS in closed-form analytical expressions. The model assumptions include: (a) one-dimensional axial and flexural wave propagations; (b) ideal bonding (pin-force) connection between PWAS and structure; and (c) ideal excitation source at the transmitter PWAS and fully resistive external load at the receiver PWAS. Both wave propagation method for an infinite beam and normal mode expansion method for a finite beam were considered. Frequency response functions were developed for voltage, current, complex power, active power, etc. The power and energy analysis for single PWAS transmitter, single PWAS receiver and a complete PWAS pitch-catch setup were considered. The numerical simulation and graphical charts show the trends in the power and energy flow behavior of PWAS for SHM. The peaks and valleys of power can be exploited for optimum design for PWAS SHM applications.