Sensors and Sensor Networks

Abstract

The majority of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) and structural health monitoring (SHM) techniques have been developed in recognition of the fact that the presence of damage alters structural properties (stiffness, density, damping ratio, energy dissipation, etc.), and hence alters the captured dynamic signatures of the structure such as Lamb wave signals. Therefore, authentic acquisition of the dynamic signatures of the structure under inspection using appropriate sensors becomes a prerequisite for accurate damage evaluation. Akin to the soma or nerve cell in a biological neural system, a sensor is a device for detecting variations in physical, chemical or biological properties, and transforming the measurands by appropriate transduction into electrical signals [1]. Sensor technology is a rudimentary but crucial ingredient in damage identification techniques, interdisciplinarily spanning areas of physics, chemistry, materials, electronics, manufacturing and informatics. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2009.