Abstract: Systems and methods for flaw detection and monitoring at elevated temperatures with wireless communication using surface embedded, monolithically integrated, thin-film, magnetically actuated sensors, and methods for fabricating the sensors. The sensor is a monolithically integrated, multi-layered (nano-composite), thin-film sensor structure that incorporates a thin-film, multi-layer magnetostrictive element, a thin-film electrically insulating or dielectric layer, and a thin-film activating layer such as a planar coil. The method for manufacturing the multi-layered, thin-film sensor structure as described above, utilizes a variety of factors that allow for optimization of sensor characteristics for application to specific structures and in specific environments. The system and method integrating the multi-layered, thin-film sensor structure as described above, further utilizes wireless connectivity to the sensor to allow the sensor to be mounted on moving components within the monitored assembly.

Abstract: A composite insulator containing means for providing early warning of impending failure due to stress corrosion cracking, flashunder, or destruction of the rod by discharge activity conditions is described. A composite insulator comprising a fiberglass rod surrounded by a polymer housing and fitted with metal end fittings on either end of the rod is doped with a dye-based chemical dopant. The dopant is located around the vicinity of the outer surface of the fiberglass rod. The dopant is formulated to possess migration and diffusion characteristics correlating to those of water, and to be inert in dry conditions and compatible with the insulator components. The dopant is placed within the insulator such that upon the penetration of moisture through the housing to the rod through a permeation pathway in the outer surface of the insulator, the dopant will become activated and will leach out of the same permeation pathway.

Abstract: A transducer cell array for electrochemical and electromechanical spectroscopy testing. The array has rows and columns of electrolytic volume cell elements that are spatially uniform. A reference electrode is common to all volume elements. Each counter electrode is individually addressable. The total impedance response provides a spatial image of the surface being tested.

Abstract: Improved adhesives useful for the manufacture of composite structures by lamination, extrusion and coextrusion processes are provided. The compositions of the invention utilize ethylene copolymers having a network structure and exhibiting unique melt elasticity characteristics in combination with modified polyolefins containing acid or acid derivative functionality and, optionally, elastomeric polymers. Composite structures wherein the adhesives are adhered to one or more substrates and, particularly composite structures comprising metal or barrier resin layers with one or a plurality of crosslinked or uncrosslinked polyethylene resin layers, are also described.

Abstract: EIS and EMIS methods of assessing the fatigue status of a material. The EIS method uses an electrochemical transducer cell to apply electrical perturbations to the material, and to acquire voltage and current measurements over a range of frequencies. The impedance at each frequency is calculated, resulting in impedance spectrum data. This data is correlated to reference data representing the fatigue life of the material. The EMIS method is similar except that mechanical instead of electrical perturbations are applied to the material.