Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided for estimating the remaining life of a structure being monitored by a sensor. The method includes: receiving data from a sensor, where the data is indicative of strain experienced by a structure and is reported as a plurality of cumulative distribution functions; extracting a probability density function from the data received from the sensor; computing a damage index for the structure from parameters of the probability density function, where the damage index is indicative of damage to the structure accumulated over time; and estimating a remaining life of the structure using the damage index.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided for estimating the remaining life of a structure being monitored by a sensor. The method includes: receiving data from a sensor, where the data is indicative of strain experienced by a structure and is reported as a plurality of cumulative distribution functions; extracting a probability density function from the data received from the sensor; computing a damage index for the structure from parameters of the probability density function, where the damage index is indicative of damage to the structure accumulated over time; and estimating a remaining life of the structure using the damage index.

Abstract: A self-powered sensing system is provided for the monitoring of quasi-static structural responses. The sensing system is comprised of: an energy concentrator having a member configured to detect a variation of a physical stimuli and change shape in response to the variation of the physical stimuli, where the variation typically occurs at a frequency less than one Hertz; a transducer coupled the member of the energy concentrator and generates a voltage in response to the change in shape of the member; and an event logging circuit configured to receive the voltage from the transducer and log the voltage in a non-volatile memory. Physical stimuli may include temperature, pressure or an applied force.

Abstract: An energy harvesting device has been developed for low frequency applications. The energy harvesting device is comprised of a buckling member having a longitudinal axis and configured to exhibit multiple snap-through events in response to a deformation applied axially thereto, where the buckling member is constrained laterally in relation to the longitudinal axis; and at least one cantilever extends outwardly from the buckling member. The cantilever(s) is coated with a piezoelectric material and supports a mass disposed at an opposing end from which it is attached to the buckling member. In this arrangement, the buckling member is able to respond to axial deformations occurring at a frequency less than one Hertz.

Abstract: A self-powered sensing system is provided for the monitoring of quasi-static structural responses. The sensing system is comprised of: an energy concentrator having a member configured to detect a variation of a physical stimuli and change shape in response to the variation of the physical stimuli, where the variation typically occurs at a frequency less than one Hertz; a transducer coupled the member of the energy concentrator and generates a voltage in response to the change in shape of the member; and an event logging circuit configured to receive the voltage from the transducer and log the voltage in a non-volatile memory. Physical stimuli may include temperature, pressure or an applied force.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided for estimating the remaining life of a structure being monitored by a sensor. The method includes: receiving data from a sensor, where the data is indicative of strain experienced by a structure and is reported as a plurality of cumulative distribution functions; extracting a probability density function from the data received from the sensor; computing a damage index for the structure from parameters of the probability density function, where the damage index is indicative of damage to the structure accumulated over time; and estimating a remaining life of the structure using the damage index.

Abstract: An energy harvesting device has been developed for low frequency applications. The energy harvesting device is comprised of a buckling member having a longitudinal axis and configured to exhibit multiple snap-through events in response to a deformation applied axially thereto, where the buckling member is constrained laterally in relation to the longitudinal axis; and at least one cantilever extends outwardly from the buckling member. The cantilever(s) is coated with a piezoelectric material and supports a mass disposed at an opposing end from which it is attached to the buckling member. In this arrangement, the buckling member is able to respond to axial deformations occurring at a frequency less than one Hertz.

Abstract: A self-powered sensor is provided for fatigue monitoring and other low power requirement applications. The self-powered sensor is comprised of: a piezoelectric transducer; a non-volatile memory comprised of at least one floating gate transistor; and a current reference circuit adapted to receive a voltage signal from the piezoelectric transducer and operable to output an injection current into the non-volatile memory. The current reference circuit may employ a floating gate transistor operating in a weak-inversion mode.

Abstract: A self-powered sensor is provided for fatigue monitoring and other low power requirement applications. The self-powered sensor is comprised of: a piezoelectric transducer; a non-volatile memory comprised of at least one floating gate transistor; and a current reference circuit adapted to receive a voltage signal from the piezoelectric transducer and operable to output an injection current into the non-volatile memory. The current reference circuit may employ a floating gate transistor operating in a weak-inversion mode.