A PolyU research team has developed a novel breed of nanocomposite-inspired sensors that can be sprayed directly on flat or curved engineering structural surfaces.
The sprayed sensors can form a network and real-time monitor the health condition of the structure on which they are fixed, showing any damage quickly and accurately. These sensors can faithfully perceive ultrasonic wave signals propagating in the structure. Any damage that interferes with the wave propagation, leading to unique scattering phenomena, will be captured by the sensor network. Based on wave scattering, the damage can be characterised quantitatively and accurately via an all-in-one system developed by the team.
Due to its extremely light weight and low fabrication cost, a large quantity of this type of sensors can be applied to moving structures like trains and aeroplanes, enhancing the safety of engineering structures and paving the way for the development of ultrasonic-based structural health monitoring.
