Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electronic device, a wireless communication method and a computer-readable storage medium. The electronic device for a vehicle according to the present disclosure comprises a processing circuit configured to: determine load information of the vehicle; generate vehicle information, with the vehicle information comprising the load information of the vehicle; and send the vehicle information to a server for the server to determine, according to the vehicle information, road planning information for the vehicle. By using the electronic device, the wireless communication method and the computer-readable storage medium according to the present disclosure, the load information of the vehicle can be taken into consideration during road planning and decision planning, thereby better managing the load of the vehicle and more rationally planning a road.

Abstract: A drilling fluid inhibition evaluation device includes a main test member, a temperature control pressurization system, a gas source, a circulation heating system, a confining pressure pump, a central control system, a computer, an ultrasonic detector and a safety valve electrically connected through pipelines, respectively, the main test member and the temperature control pressurization system sequentially connected with the gas source; the present disclosure can pre-pressurize experimental fluid and then inject the fluid into a dilatometer, so as to prevent the fluid from generating obvious changes of phase states, eliminate pressure setting errors caused by a saturated vapor pressure of the fluid, improve accuracy of evaluation results, inspect a real expansion state of the sample and simultaneously monitor structural change characteristics of a rock sample in real time through reflection conditions of sound waves.

Abstract: Various examples are directed to computer-implemented systems and methods for providing a triage tool for investment advising. A method includes displaying, by a processor of a computer, an image on a graphical user interface (GUI) of a device of a user. The image includes information related to financial account management for the user. Input options are provided to the user on the GUI including at least two directional swipe input options to obtain the user's positive or negative response to the image. The processor receives the user's response to the input options, and determines a profile of the user based on the user's response to the input options. The processor provides directed financial investment advice and tailored financial products, based on the profile of the user, to increase applicability and effectiveness of wealth management for the user.

Abstract: Disclosed are an ultrasonic probe and a method of manufacturing the same. The ultrasonic probe includes a piezoelectric layer including one or more kerfs such that piezoelectric elements are provided in a plurality of rows along an elevation direction, a first electrode formed on an upper side of the piezoelectric layer, a second electrode formed on a lower side of the piezoelectric layer, a matching layer disposed above the piezoelectric layer and including one or more grooves connected to the one or more kerfs, and a third electrode formed in inner surfaces of the one or more grooves and electrically connected to the first electrode.

Abstract: A portable soil body in-situ shear test device includes: an active force system arranged externally, a passive shear system and an electromagnetic loading system arranged internally, and a ring knife system arranged at a bottom. Compared with the conventional in-situ soil shear strength test device and test method, the present invention is convenient to install and carry as well as simple to operate, and has strong applicability. The present invention is suitable for layered soils with large cross-plate shear test errors, and for soils with different consolidation degrees at various sites and various terrains. A test method adopting the device can simulate the shear strength of the soil mass under different overburden loads without disturbing the mechanical properties of the in-situ soil mass, which has high promotion value in the test of in-situ soil shear strength.

Abstract: The internal operational state of wellhead equipment and downhole activity can be monitored with a sensor device mounted or mountable on the wellhead equipment. The sensor can include more than one vibration sensor, a sensor communications device, and a processor. The vibration sensor generates sensor signals in response to vibrations of the wellhead equipment caused by changes in the internal operating state of the wellhead equipment or downhole activity. The processor generates sensor data based on the generated electronic sensor signals. The sensor communication device transmits an electronic data signal for the sensor data via a communications network to a user device, which may be located remotely from the wellhead equipment. The user device can output a report including an audible or visible representation of the transmitted sensor data. In some embodiments, the sensor device can be retrofit to existing equipment and systems.

Abstract: A resonance detection system includes a vibration simulation mechanism and a vibration audio analysis device. The vibration simulation mechanism includes a mechanism body that accommodates a peripheral interface device, such as a notebook computer key input mechanical structure. The vibration simulation mechanism generates a vibration wave to the peripheral interface device generates a vibration audio signal in response to the vibration wave. The vibration simulation mechanism further includes a patch-type audio collector, such as a miniature auscultation radio patch, which is connected with the vibration audio analysis device. The patch-type audio collector is attached on the mechanism body containing the peripheral interface device. The vibration audio signal is collected by the patch-type audio collector.

Abstract: A method for assessing transportation risk is adapted to an object transported by a vehicle. The method comprises disposing a sensor on a floor of the vehicle to generate and collect a vibration signal, with the floor being configured to carry the object, a computing device performs a time-domain processing procedure according to the vibration signal to output a first data, performs a frequency-domain processing procedure according to the first data to output a second data, performs a risk assessing procedure to output a risk level according to the second data and a reference data, wherein the second data comprises an actual vibration intensity and an actual vibration duration and the reference data comprises a reference vibration intensity and a reference vibration duration.

Abstract: An example non-destructive method for estimating a length of a member, which may be embedded, is described herein. The method can include impacting the member, recording a respective signal at each of a plurality of sensors attached to the member, and transforming the respective signals into a frequency domain. The respective signals can include dispersive waves generated by the impact. The method can also include determining an effective wavenumber of dispersive wave propagation based on the respective frequency-domain signals, determining theoretical wavenumber of dispersive wave propagation using a dispersion relation for the member, and estimating the length of the member based on the relationship between the effective wavenumber of dispersive wave propagation and theoretical wavenumber of dispersive wave propagation.

Abstract: A double-tilt in-situ mechanical sample holder for TEM based on piezoelectric ceramic drive belongs to the field of material microstructure-mechanical properties in-situ characterization, and it comprise two parts of sample holder shaft body and piezoelectric ceramic drive system. The sample holder shaft body comprise tilt stage, sample holder, linear stepping motor, drive rod, drive linkage. The piezoelectric ceramic drive system comprise piezoelectric ceramic loading stage, piezoelectric ceramic, connecting base and the sample loading stage realizing stretch or compression function. The double-axis tilt of the samples in X and Y axis directions is realized by the reciprocating motion back and forth of the drive rod driven by the linear stepping motor. The stretch or compression of the samples is realized by applying voltage on the piezoelectric ceramic to generate displacement and push the sample loading stage by the connecting base.

Abstract: A method of assessing soil heave includes providing a plurality of determined values of a shear modulus of soil, the determined values being values of the shear modulus of the soil at different times; and determining a change over time in the shear modulus of the soil, based on the plurality of determined values of the shear modulus of the soil. The soil may have been treated by adding a stabilizer to the soil. The soil may be hydrated. A system for assessing soil heave includes a bender element disposed in soil, for determining a change over time of a shear modulus of the soil, and a time domain reflectometer probe disposed in the soil, for determining a change over time of moisture content of the soil. The determined change over time of the shear modulus and the determined change over time of the moisture content are used to assess heaving of the soil.

Abstract: Systems and methods of determining settlement characteristics of a drilling mud are disclosed. Conditions under which heavier elements of the drilling mud settle under the influence of gravity can be determined. Samples of drilling mud can be placed in testing cells, and ultrasonic test pulses can be transmitted through the samples. Responses to the test pulses can be detected and compared to other responses detected at different vertical positions within the testing cell. Settlement can be detected when the responses from different vertical positions are generally dissimilar. An environmental temperature of the testing cell can be changed over a testing time interval, and a settlement temperature can be determined by detecting a divergence in the responses from different vertical positions.

Abstract: A package having a recessed section, a sensor element arranged in the recessed section and having a piezoelectric material, a lid joined to the package and sealing the recessed section of the package are provided. The package has a first hollow portion which a part of the sensor element fits with, on an inner bottom surface of the recessed section. The lid has a second hollow portion which a part of the sensor element fits with.

Abstract: A multi-function testing apparatus contains a test cell, a piston positioned within the test cell and an adjustable piston depth-setting rod. The testing apparatus may be used to assess carbon dioxide resistance and hydraulic bonding strength of a set cement as well as to evaluate the self-healing capabilities of a set cement. Testing on the set cement may be conducted at simulated downhole conditions.

Abstract: A method for reconfiguring an equipment monitoring system may include (a) providing a monitoring device including sensor(s) configured to monitor a particular device; and a processor configured to analyze the sensor data collected by the sensor(s) to determine a status of the particular device, and control one or more status indicators to display the determined status; (b) connecting a removable memory module to the monitoring device, which memory module receives and stores sensor data from the monitoring device sensor(s); (c) connecting a removable wireless transmitter module to the monitoring device or the removable memory module, (d) connecting the removable wireless transmitter module to additional source(s) of sensor data; (e) receiving at the removable wireless transmitter module sensor data from the monitoring device sensor(s), and additional sensor data from the additional sensor data source(s); and (f) wirelessly transmitting both the sensor data and the additional sensor data to a wireless receiver.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are generally directed toward methods, systems, and computer-readable media for prioritizing bridge repairs. A bridge score is generated that represents various factors such as conditions, load issues, risk of failure, and importance. Repairs to bridges or bridge segments that pose a greater risk may be prioritized before repairs made to bridges posing a lower risk.

Abstract: An ultrasound-based measuring device includes a measurement body, at least one ultrasonic transmitter for coupling ultrasonic measurement signals into the measurement body, and at least one ultrasonic receiver for detecting the ultrasonic measurement signals reflected at an end face of the measurement body. The at least one ultrasonic transmitter emits both a longitudinal and a transverse measurement signal. The influence of a physical disturbance variable on the measurement section traversed by the measurement signals during a determination of a measurement pressure prevailing at the end face and/or of a measurement temperature prevailing at the end face can be taken into account on the basis of the propagation times and a difference between the propagation times of the longitudinal and transverse measurement signals reflected at the end face.

Abstract: A build up edge monitoring method is provided for performing online real-time detection and suppression of abnormal build up edges of cutters occurred in a CNC manufacturing process. Signal variation analysis and fast Fourier transform are used for analyzing signals and establishing an algorithm of diagnosing build up edges to improve the efficiency and reliability of the cutting abnormality diagnostics. A vibration acceleration signal is captured and filtered to a frequency exceeding 1.1 times of a blade passing frequency, and an occurrence of accumulated chips is determined according to a sudden increase of the vibration acceleration and whether the main vibration frequency of the current vibration signal determined by a fast Fourier transform analysis matches with the frequency of the build up edge characteristic, and a shutdown instruction is issued to a CNC controller to shut down a cutting machine.

Abstract: A universal multipurpose sensor fixing device comprises a radial positioning mechanism, supporting mechanisms, bases, acoustic emission test sensor mounting mechanisms, and parallelism adjusting members. Each supporting mechanism includes a main arm and an auxiliary arm having one end connected to the main arm and a ball head on the other end. A parallelism adjusting member mounting mechanism is provided at the joint of the main arm and the auxiliary arm. The main arms are respectively connected to the two free ends of the radial positioning mechanism to position the auxiliary arms at the inner sides of the main arms, arranged axis symmetrically with respect to the central line of the radial positioning mechanism. The ball heads of the two auxiliary arms are located within spherical holes of the bases to form universal revolute pairs. A set of acoustic emission test sensor mounting mechanisms are mounted at each base.

Abstract: A multipurpose sensor fixing device includes a radial positioning mechanism, a supporting mechanism, a base, a mounting mechanism, and a parallelism adjusting member. The supporting mechanism comprises a main supporting arm and an auxiliary supporting arm, with one end of the auxiliary supporting arm connected to the main supporting arm and the other end comprising kink shaft members. The main supporting arm is connected to an end of the radial positioning mechanism to locate the auxiliary supporting arm at the inner side of the main supporting arm. The kink shaft member of the auxiliary supporting arm is inserted into a plughole of the base to form a revolute pair with the auxiliary supporting arm. The mounting mechanism is mounted at the base. The parallelism adjusting member is mounted on the main supporting arm.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and evaluating structural defects are provided. Baseline data representative of sensed ultrasonic waves that were transmitting into a structure with no defects are stored. Ultrasonic waves are transmitted into the structure from a plurality of actuators that are coupled to the structure. The ultrasonic waves that are transmitted into the structure from the plurality of actuators are sensed, with a plurality of sensors that are coupled to the structure and spaced apart from the actuators, to thereby generate and supply sensor data. Signal difference coefficients are calculated from the baseline data and the sensor data. The calculated signal difference coefficients are spatially mapped to detect one or more structural defects in the structure.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer storage mediums accurately measure wall thickness in a region of interest included in complex curved structures. Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to generating a wall thickness loss distribution map of a region of interest that provides an accurate representation of wall thickness for the region of interest included in a complex curved structure. The wall thickness loss distribution map is generated from a two-dimensional model of the wall thickness loss distribution of the region of interest. The two-dimensional model is converted from a three-dimensional representation of the wall thickness loss distribution of the region of interest. The three-dimensional representation of the wall thickness is generated by ultrasonic waves generated by a transducer system that propagated through the region of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drivable device for compacting a soil layer structure, having at least one vibration means or device, such as a vibration roller or a vibration plate, via which load pulses (P), which compact the soil layer structure, can be introduced into at least one load introduction area. At least one first and one second detection means or devices for detecting the modulus of elasticity of the soil layer structure are provided, which are situated spaced apart from one another on the drivable device in such a way that the first detection means or device allows a detection in the load introduction area and at least the second detection means or devices allows a detection outside the load introduction area. The present invention also relates to a method for ascertaining a layer modulus of elasticity.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for analyzing structure safety, and the method uses valid vibration measurement signals to obtain mutual feedbacks for a structural model analysis and a calibrated structural model to simulate a disaster situation to obtain the critical force exertion and deformation scale of a structure. The method is applied to capture the stability index of the structure to analyze the structure safety or applied for a structure safety evaluation or a health monitoring, or even for a structure multi-hazards safety determination.

Abstract: A first embodiment of a system for measuring and analyzing a machine property includes a detector with a vibration sensor, power source, a data transmitter, a first data processor configured and adapted to obtain sensed vibration data from the sensor and convert it into digital data to be transmitted through the data transmitter, and a system server operatively in communication with the detector. The system server has software that can process and analyze data such as the sensed vibration data received via the data receiver. In a second embodiment, the system includes a vibration sensor, a terminal comprising a user interface unit and a first data processor that can obtain sensed vibration data from the sensor and convert it into digital data to be transmitted through the first data transceiver. In this embodiment, data may be presented visually on the user display area and user input received input from the user input area.

Abstract: In the diagnosis of a structure, at least one electromechanical transducer is fixed to a structure as an object of diagnosis and is driven with an alternating voltage of a constant amplitude, and a current flowing through the at least one electromechanical transducer is measured. Next, high frequency components around a driving frequency of the electromechanical transducer are separated from a signal of the current. Next, modulation information due to a damage is extracted from amplitude and/or phase demodulation of the high frequency components. Then a damage index is evaluated based on the modulation information. Thus, structural health can be diagnosed with use of at least one electromechanical transducer, without baseline data, in one measurement.

Abstract: A structural health monitoring system using ASICs for signal transmission, reception, and analysis. Incorporating structural health monitoring functionality into one or more ASICs provides a durable yet small, lightweight, low cost, and portable system that can be deployed and operated in field conditions. Such systems provide significant advantages, especially in applications such as armor structures.

Abstract: A system for detecting and locating leaks includes a pipeline, strain sensors positioned on the external surface of the pipeline, acoustic pressure sensors positioned at intervals along the pipeline, local processors connected to the strain sensors and acoustic pressure sensors, and a central processor connected to the local processors. The strain sensors measure a strain on the external surface of the pipeline indicative of changes in the pressure of the fluid within the pipeline. The acoustic pressure sensors sense acoustic signals within the pipline. Sensed acoustic pressure signals and sensed strain measurements are compared to each other and to stored profiles to detect and locate leaks.

Abstract: A surface acoustic wave device having electrodes disposed on a piezoelectric substrate, comprising a sealing member having a peripheral wall disposed on the piezoelectric substrate in surrounding relation to the electrodes, and a top plate covering the peripheral wall; and a sealing stiffener disposed on the piezoelectric substrate in facing relation to a liquid material imposed on the piezoelectric substrate and which extends parallel to a portion of the peripheral wall.

Abstract: The invention relates bridge structure safety evaluation technology by means of combining vibration measuring and structural model analysis techniques for bridge erosion evaluation and pre-warning monitoring applications. This technology can also be applied for long-term bridge structure monitoring and safety evaluation as well as judgment and evaluation of rail structure abnormality.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for analyzing structure safety, and the method uses valid vibration measurement signals to obtain mutual feedbacks for a structural model analysis and a calibrated structural model to simulate a disaster situation to obtain the critical force exertion and deformation scale of a structure. The method is applied to capture the stability index of the structure to analyze the structure safety or applied for a structure safety evaluation or a health monitoring, or even for a structure multi-hazards safety determination.

Abstract: A universal acoustic emission test sensor fixing device includes a radial positioning mechanism, supporting mechanisms, bases, acoustic emission test sensor mounting mechanisms, and parallelism adjusting members, in which the supporting mechanism includes a main supporting arm and an auxiliary supporting arm, with one end of the auxiliary supporting arm fixedly connected to or hinged with the main supporting arm and the other end being provided with a ball head, and a parallelism adjusting member mounting mechanism is provided at the joint of the main supporting arm and the auxiliary supporting arm, and the base is provided with a spherical hole.

Abstract: An acoustic emission test sensor fixing device, comprising a radial positioning mechanism, supporting mechanisms, bases, acoustic emission test sensor mounting mechanisms, and parallelism adjusting members, wherein the supporting mechanism comprises a main supporting arm and an auxiliary supporting arm, with one end of the auxiliary supporting arm is fixedly connected to or hinged with the main supporting arm and the other end is provided with kink shaft members which are symmetrical about the auxiliary supporting arm; and the bases are provided with plugholes which form revolute pairs with the auxiliary supporting arm.

Abstract: A low-power triggered data acquisition system and method utilizes low-powered circuitry, comparators, and digital logic incorporated into a miniaturized device interfaced with self-generating transducer sensor inputs to detect, identify and assess impact and damage to surfaces and structures wherein, upon the occurrence of a triggering event that produces a signal greater than a set threshold changes the comparator output and causes the system to acquire and store digital data representative of the incoming waveform on at least one triggered channel. The sensors may be disposed in an array to provide triangulation and location of the impact.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for determining a property of construction material. According to one aspect, a material property gauge operable to determine a property of construction material is disclosed. The gauge may include an electromagnetic sensor operable to measure a response of construction material to an electromagnetic field. Further, the electromagnetic sensor may be operable to produce a signal representing the measured response by the construction material to the electromagnetic field. An acoustic detector may be operable to detect a response of the construction material to the acoustical energy. Further, the acoustic detector may be operable to produce a signal representing the detected response by the construction material to the acoustical energy. A material property calculation function may be configured to calculate a property value associated with the construction material based upon the signals produced by the electromagnetic sensor and the acoustic detector.

Abstract: In the diagnosis of a structure, at least one electromechanical transducer is fixed to a structure as an object of diagnosis and is driven with an alternating voltage of a constant amplitude, and a current flowing through the at least one electromechanical transducer is measured. Next, high frequency components around a driving frequency of the electromechanical transducer are separated from a signal of the current. Next, modulation information due to a damage is extracted from amplitude and/or phase demodulation of the high frequency components. Then a damage index is evaluated based on the modulation information. Thus, structural health can be diagnosed with use of at least one electromechanical transducer, without baseline data, in one measurement.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting scour conditions adjacent a pier has a pipe with a plurality of holes formed through a wall of the pipes in spaced relation to each other along a length of the pipe, a plurality of porous plugs affixed respectively in the plurality of holes, a plurality of tubes connected respectively to the plurality of porous plugs, a pump connected to the tubes for passing compressed air through the plurality of tubes to the plugs, and a monitor connected to the tubes for measuring a rate of pressure bleed-off from the plurality of tubes. The pipe extends in a vertical orientation adjacent to the bridge pier and extends into the earth adjacent the bridge pier. The plurality of porous plugs are spaced at equal intervals from each other.

Abstract: The invention relates bridge structure safety evaluation technology by means of combining vibration measuring and structural model analysis techniques for bridge erosion evaluation and pre-warning monitoring applications. This technology can also be applied for long-term bridge structure monitoring and safety evaluation as well as judgment and evaluation of rail structure abnormality.

Abstract: A Laplace transform system comprising a processor, a measured time domain wavefield, a velocity model, and Laplace damping constants, wherein the processor is programmed to calculate a substantially about zero frequency component of a Fourier transform of a time domain damped wavefield, wherein the time domain damped wavefield is damped by the Laplace damping constants to obtain long wavelength velocity information for deeper subsurface regions.

Abstract: Provided is a device for testing an isolation structure comprising an isolation layer having an upper beam, a lower beam and a top beam plate, along with an upper portion, the device comprising a plurality of upper corbels, a plurality of lower corbels, a plurality of hoisting jacks, a plurality of acceleration sensors, a plurality of displacement sensors, an acceleration collecting analyzer and a displacement collecting analyzer. A method for testing an isolation structure is also provided.

Abstract: Sonic excitation is used to locate, without contact, an object or defect beneath a surface. Defects may include, for example, damage and flaws in load bearing concrete structures wrapped in plastic, fiberglass or composite sheathing, while buried objects amenable to detection include landmines or above-ground mines.

Abstract: An acoustic transducer system for use in the measurement of longitudinal sound velocity in a cement sample that is maintained at high temperature and pressure. The acoustic assembly is separate from the end plugs to optimize acoustic coupling between the individual elements of the assembly, to increase the amplitude and consistency of the acoustic signal and to provide an ability to replace the transducers as a separate assembly. The transducer includes an acoustic transmission line and utilizes a pressure isolation method to optimize the material and the manufacturing process to enhance the acoustic signal required for the measurement. The transducer assembly includes a high temperature piezoelectric ceramic and a load mass that improve the signal amplitude and provide the required electrical connections. The transducer improves the ability to measure the longitudinal wave velocity in a cement sample at elevated temperature and pressure for determining the sample's compressive strength.

Abstract: A piezoelectric sensor having a plurality of electrodes deposited on a single surface of the dielectric medium is generally provided. The plurality of electrodes can define a plurality of square-shaped electrodes forming a grid on the first surface of the dielectric medium while the second electrode defines a continuous electrode. An electrode border surrounding the plurality of electrodes can be deposited on the first surface of the dielectric medium. Alternatively, the plurality of electrodes can define column-shaped electrodes, while the second electrode defines a plurality of row-shaped electrodes separated by etchings. The direction of orientation of each column-shaped electrode and the direction of orientation of each row-shaped electrode can be substantially perpendicular. A method of making a piezoelectric sensor is also provided.

Abstract: Devices for monitoring structural health conditions of host structures. A device includes at least one optical fiber sensor and an electronic module. The optical fiber sensor includes a rolled optical fiber cable operative to generate a frequency shift of a light signal passing therethrough and a coating layer applied to the rolled optical cable. The frequency shift is commensurate with vibration of the host structure. The electronic module sends an input light signal to the optical fiber sensor, receives a sensor signal from the optical fiber sensor, and processes the sensor signal.

Abstract: The force exerted by a reciprocating actuator is estimated as a weighted sum of three quantities: a reaction-mass acceleration, a baseplate acceleration, and a relative acceleration of the reaction-mass relative to the baseplate. In one embodiment, acceleration sensors measure the reaction-mass acceleration and the baseplate acceleration; and a displacement transducer measures a relative displacement of the reaction-mass relative to the baseplate. A double-differentiator generates the value of the relative acceleration from the second derivative of the relative displacement. In the sum, the relative acceleration is weighted by factor representative of the ratio of the difference between the masses of the reaction-mass and the baseplate to the sum of the masses of the reaction-mass and the baseplate.

Abstract: Earth analysis methods, subsurface feature detection methods, earth analysis devices, and articles of manufacture are described. According to one embodiment, an earth analysis method includes engaging a device with the earth, analyzing the earth in a single substantially lineal direction using the device during the engaging, and providing information regarding a subsurface feature of the earth using the analysis.

Abstract: A method for determining damage in a structural health monitoring system comprising a plurality of sensors distributed across a structure is disclosed. The method includes decomposing the plurality of sensors into a plurality of sub-arrays. Each sub-array is associated with a current sensor. For each sub-array, data is collected, the data corresponding to electrical signals produced by waves initiated by the current sensor and detected by a receiving sensor. The data is used to calculate a damage measurement for the sub-array. Then, the damage measurement determined for each sub-array is combined to determining an overall damage assessment from the combined damage measurements.

Abstract: Systems for monitoring structural health conditions of objects. Each system includes patch sensors attached to an object, wherein each patch sensor is capable of generating a wave upon receipt of an actuator signal and developing a sensor signal in response to the wave. The system includes a tree structured relay unit that has a root node and at least one lower level node that includes at least one leaf node connected to the patch sensors. The lower level node includes switches, wherein the switches are operated to establish a channel between the root node and a selected one of the patch sensors and wherein actuator signal or sensor signal is transmitted through the channel. The sensor signals are analyzed to monitor health conditions thereby prevent catastrophic failure.

Abstract: Interrogation systems for monitoring structural health conditions. An interrogation system includes at least one wave generator for generating a wave signal and optical fiber sensors applied to a structure. The interrogation system also includes at least one electronic module for generating an input sensor signal and sending the input sensor signal to the optical fiber sensors. Each optical fiber sensor impresses the wave signal onto the input sensor signal to generate an output sensor signal that is frequency shifted from the input sensor signal. The electronic module generates an information signal in response to the output sensor signal. The interrogation system also includes a signal processing unit and a relay switch array module that has relay switches. Each relay switch relays the information signal to the signal processing unit and the signal processing unit generates a digital sensor signal that is subsequently sent to a computer.

Abstract: A method for testing a unit is described where the unit includes one or more of electrical, electronic, mechanical, and electromechanical components. The described method includes applying at least one stimulus to the unit, receiving sound emissions from the unit, converting the sound emissions into one or more acoustic signatures, comparing the acoustic signatures based on the received emissions to stored acoustic signatures expected as a result of the at least one stimulus, and determining a status for the unit based on the comparisons.