NAFC Acoustic Emission Sensors for Real-time Monitoring of Structures

提出的研究目标是应用创新的纳米技术来创建声发射（AE）传感器，用于实时监测结构。所提出的声发射传感器是由纳米级活性纤维复合材料（NAFCs）组成的，该项目涉及由压电锆钛酸铅（PZT）纳米纤维组成的传感器的设计、制造和表征。这项工作将导致先进的声发射传感器具有高灵敏度，良好的一致性和适合嵌入或附着在结构表面。这些传感器的生产成本非常低，并且可以自供电，因此可以方便地应用于实时监测土木工程结构，如桥梁，水坝，塔楼，道路等。NAFC传感器网络可用于检测结构元件中的裂纹等缺陷，以及各种复合材料和夹层部件中的分层和脱粘。此外，该项目还旨在开发和部署纳米技术相关的教育材料，并有助于激励k-12学生和来自代表性不足群体的学生追求STEM职业。透过这项计划，学生将有机会在一个令人兴奋的研究领域，参与一个刺激的多学科环境，更多的学生将从过程中记录的网络科技教育模块中受益

The objective of the proposed research is to apply innovative nanotechnologies for creating acoustic emission (AE) sensors for real-time monitoring of structures. The proposed AE sensors are composed of Nanoscale Active Fiber Composites (NAFCs) and the project involves the design, manufacturing and characterization of the sensors consisting of piezoelectric Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) nanofibers. This work will result in advanced acoustic emission sensors with high sensitivity, excellent conformability and suitability for being imbedded into or attached on the surface of structures. These sensors are very cost effective to produce and self-powered and can thus be conveniently applied for real-time monitoring of civil engineering structures such as bridges, dams, towers, roads, etc. Networks of NAFC sensors could be used to detect defects such as cracks in structural elements as well as delamination and debonding in various composite and sandwich components. In addition, this project also aims to develop and deploy nanotechnology-related educational materials and contribute to motivating k-12 students and students from underrepresented groups to pursue STEM careers. Through this project, the students will have the opportunity to participate in a stimulating multi-disciplinary environment in an exciting research field, more students will benefit from cybertechnology-enabled education modules documented during the process