Abstract: The present strain gauge includes a substrate having flexibility; a resistor formed from a material containing at least one of chromium and nickel, on the substrate; a pair of wiring patterns formed on the substrate and electrically connected to both ends of the resistor; and a pair of electrodes formed on the substrate and electrically connected to the pair of wiring patterns, respectively. The wiring patterns include a first layer extending from the resistor, and a second layer having a lower resistance than the first layer and layered on the first layer. On the substrate, an electronic component mounting area is demarcated, on which an electronic component electrically connected to the electrodes is mounted.

Abstract: The present strain gauge includes a substrate having flexibility; a resistor formed from a material containing at least one of chromium and nickel, on the substrate; a pair of wiring patterns formed on the substrate and electrically connected to both ends of the resistor; and a pair of electrodes formed on the substrate and electrically connected to the pair of wiring patterns, respectively. The wiring patterns include a first layer extending from the resistor, and a second layer having a lower resistance than the first layer and layered on the first layer. On the substrate, an electronic component mounting area is demarcated, on which an electronic component electrically connected to the electrodes is mounted.

Abstract: A structural health monitoring method is provided that utilizes self-sensing printed polymer structures. The method is based on resistivity properties of conductive materials, which can be integrated to a 3D printed polymer structure during additive manufacturing. An article to be monitored has at least one 3D printed polymer structure including a circuit comprising at least one conductive pathway extending through a non-conductive material. The resistance across the circuit is measured during or after loading of the article to determine a resistance value. The measured resistance value is compared to a known resistance value, and based on the comparison, a defect can be detected in the 3D printed polymer structure. Structural health monitoring systems and articles with integrated structural health monitoring are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring plastic deformation of a structural material are provided. An acoustic wave actuator is configured to generate acoustic wave signals to be propagated within the structural material and is in-situ fabricated on the structural material at a first location. An alternating current (AC) electric signal source drives the acoustic wave actuator to generate the acoustic wave signals at a predetermined frequency. One or more acoustic wave sensors detect the acoustic wave signals generated by the acoustic wave actuator and propagated within the structural material. More particularly, the acoustic wave detectors are configured to detect both fundamental and second harmonic acoustic signals at the predetermined frequency. The acoustic wave sensors are in-situ fabricated on the structural material at one or more second locations.

Abstract: A crack sensor for detecting the extension of a crack comprises an insulator base material made from an insulating material, a common line formed on the insulator base material along a first direction and a plurality of gauge lead wires which is formed on the insulator base material and each of which has an end connected with the common line at an interval and another end extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, wherein the extending end reaches a position to which the extending end retreats in a direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the end connected with the common line.

Abstract: A strain sensor includes a flexible substrate, a CNT film made of a plurality of CNT fibers aligned in an orientation direction, a pair of electrodes, and a protective coat. The electrodes are formed at the opposite ends of the CNT film in a perpendicular direction to the orientation direction of the CNT fibers. The protective coat protecting the CNT film is made of a resin, a water-based emulsion, or an oil-based emulsion. The protective coat is placed in contact with at least part of the CTN fibers on the surface of the CNT film. The strain sensor including the protective coat is able to prevent damage/breakage of the CNT film and to prevent foreign matters from entering into gaps between CNT fibers, thus improving durability in maintaining adequate sensing functionality.

Abstract: A strain sensor includes a flexible substrate, a CNT film made of a plurality of CNT fibers aligned in an orientation direction, a pair of electrodes, and a protective coat. The electrodes are formed at the opposite ends of the CNT film in a perpendicular direction to the orientation direction of the CNT fibers. The protective coat protecting the CNT film is made of a resin, a water-based emulsion, or an oil-based emulsion. The protective coat is placed in contact with at least part of the CTN fibers on the surface of the CNT film. The strain sensor including the protective coat is able to prevent damage/breakage of the CNT film and to prevent foreign matters from entering into gaps between CNT fibers, thus improving durability in maintaining adequate sensing functionality.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a touch sensor module, including: a flexible cable provided with a terminal part; an adhesive layer formed to transfer an electrical signal by being contacted on one surface of the terminal part; a base substrate including an electrode pad which is formed to correspond to the terminal part and formed to be contact on the other surface of the adhesive layer; and a first passivation layer coating one end of the electrode pad.

Abstract: A device, a system and a method for detecting an irregularity in a structure of an aircraft are proposed. The device includes a resonant circuit with a resonance frequency and a probe for tuning the resonance frequency of the resonant circuit. The resonant circuit and the probe are operatively connected in such a way that the probe changes the resonance frequency of the resonant circuit if the structure changes due to a formation of an irregularity.

Abstract: An in-situ apparatus is provided for monitoring the state of stress/strain and cracking in a die surface. The apparatus may also be used to facilitate the prudent removal of the die from the surface so that it may be repaired before catastrophic failure occurs. Accordingly, the yield of a process used to generate die cast structures may be greatly increased.

Abstract: The present invention disclose a smart coating comprising a substrate, optionally a first insulating layer, a plurality of first sensing units, a second insulating layer, a plurality of second sensing units and optionally a wear-resistant layer, wherein the plurality of first sensing units and the plurality of second sensing units have piezoelectric effect. The smart coating can provide real-time monitoring and feedback of the worn state of the surface of a part while eliminating the need to adhere a senor. Compared with the existing sensors and substrates bound by adhesion, the smart coating provided in the present application can avoid poor adhesion between the sensor and substrate. Furthermore, damaged positions can be located precisely so as to provide more and more accurate information regarding worn state of the part surface, which is in favor of monitoring and post-stage analysis on the worn state of the surface of the part.

Abstract: The structural health of a structure such as an aircraft is monitored by spraying a paint formulation containing a loading of carbon nanoparticles to provide a paint layer forming part of a paint system. The paint layer forms a smart skin whose electrical properties may be monitored to determine structural health.

Abstract: A connection component is provided that includes an integrated ultrasound sensor, wherein the ultrasound sensor has a layer structure comprising at least two layers, with an electrode layer and at least one layer of a material having piezoelectric properties. The at least one electrode layer and the at least one layer of a material having piezoelectric properties are arranged on a freely accessible end of the connection component. Structures are formed in the electrode layer in order to produce electrodes by laser-ablated regions.

Abstract: A system includes a structure and a component. The component including an energy providing device and a protective cover. The structure has a structure surface. The protective cover has a protective cover attachment surface mounted on the structure surface. The energy providing device is located within the protective cover. The protective cover has a protective cover outer surface. The protective cover outer surface is oriented to face a first direction from which an impact load may strike the protective cover outer surface and shear the protective cover from the structure surface. The protective cover outer surface has an outer surface shape facing the first direction. At least a portion of an impact load striking any region of the protective cover outer surface facing the first direction is transferred by the outer surface shape into a compression load.

Abstract: A device for mounting on a structure surface includes a component, a circuit, a moisture barrier, and a protective cover. The moisture barrier is within the protective cover. The component and the circuit are within the moisture barrier. The component is for bonding to the structure surface with a bond susceptible to damage from moisture. The circuit includes a radio frequency transmitter. The circuit is for providing data derived from the component to the radio frequency transmitter for external transmission.

Abstract: A device for mounting on a structure surface includes a component, a circuit, a moisture barrier, and a protective cover. The moisture barrier is within the protective cover. The component and the circuit are within the moisture barrier. The component is for bonding to the structure surface with a bond susceptible to damage from moisture. The circuit includes a radio frequency transmitter. The circuit is for providing data derived from the component to the radio frequency transmitter for external transmission.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle battery sensor element comprising a resistor element 2 and at least two spatially separated electric contacts 16 positioned on the resistor element 2. To increase the measuring accuracy and to reduce the temperature variance, it is proposed that the resistor element 2 along with the electric contacts 16 is coated with a metal coating 8.

Abstract: Provided is a strain gage mount, including an instrument carrier mount configured to secure a strain gage during use, a specimen mount configured to couple to a specimen during use, and a thermal insulating layer configured to be disposed between the instrument carrier mount and the specimen mount during use.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel contact sensors. The contact sensors of the invention include a conductive composite material formed of a polymer and a conductive filler. In one particular embodiment, the composite materials can include less than about 10 wt % conductive filler. Thus, the composite material of the contact sensors can have physical characteristics essentially identical to the polymer, while being electrically conductive with the electrical resistance proportional to the load on the sensor. If desired, the sensors can be formed of the same polymeric material as the bearing that is being examined. The sensors can provide real time dynamic contact information for joint members under conditions expected during use. In one particular embodiment, the sensors can be used to examine dynamic wear characteristics of artificial joint bearings such as artificial knee, hip, or shoulder bearings.

Abstract: A device includes a structure, a strain sensor and a light curable adhesive. The structure has a structure surface. The light curable adhesive bonds the strain sensor to the structure surface.

Abstract: A cementitious compound provides a brittle undercoat for making a surface-mounted crack sensor on a surface. A low percent elongation and low tensile strength of the cementitious compound have proven valuable in ensuring that cracks in the underlying surface are transmitted through the undercoat so that a trace of conductive ink or paint on the undercoat more reliably detects the crack.

Abstract: A connection component is provided that includes an integrated ultrasound sensor, wherein the ultrasound sensor has a layer structure comprising at least two layers, with an electrode layer and at least one layer of a material having piezoelectric properties. The at least one electrode layer and the at least one layer of a material having piezoelectric properties are arranged on a freely accessible end of the connection component. Structures are formed in the electrode layer in order to produce electrodes by laser-ablated regions.

Abstract: A device includes a structure, a strain sensor and a light curable adhesive. The structure has a structure surface. The light curable adhesive bonds the strain sensor to the structure surface.

Abstract: A smart coat with damage following feature for damage detection information, a detecting device and a damage detecting method using said smart coat, the smart coat could be set on a subject body and comprises a sensing layer, said sensing layer is composed of electrically-conductive material and has a thickness from 10 nanometers to 100 micrometers.

Abstract: A bimorphic structure responsive to changes in an environmental condition, sensor structures incorporating one or more of such bimorphic structures, and a method of forming such bimorphic structures. The sensor structure has an electrically-conductive first contact on a substrate, and a bimorph beam anchored to the substrate so that a portion thereof is suspended above the first contact. The bimorph beam has a multilayer structure that includes first and second layers, with the second layer between the first layer and the substrate. A portion of the first layer projects through an opening in the second layer toward the first contact so as to define an electrically-conductive second contact located on the beam so as to be spaced apart and aligned with the first contact for contact with the first contact when the beam sufficiently deflects toward the substrate.

Abstract: A smart coat with damage following feature for damage detection information, a detecting device and a damage detecting method using said smart coat, the smart coat could be set on a subject body and comprises a sensing layer, said sensing layer is composed of electrically-conductive material and has a thickness from 10 nanometers to 100 micrometers.

Abstract: The invention proposes sensor elements (5) for detecting a physical measurement variable such as a pressure, a temperature, a gap width, or a capacitance between two bodies (10, 20) that move in relation to each other during operation and experience high tribological stress. In certain areas between the surfaces of the bodies (10, 20) that move in relation to each other, in a surface region of at least one of the bodies (10), a sensitive layer (13, 30), in particular a sensor segment (13), is provided, which is separated from the body (10) by an insulation layer (12) and has a covering layer (14) in a first embodiment. In an alternative embodiment, a surface region of at least one of the two bodies (10) has a recess (23) in which the sensor surface (13) is disposed on the insulation layer (12). In a third embodiment, the sensor surface (13) has a length of 10 ?m to 5 mm, a width of less than 5 ?m, and a thickness of less than 200 nm.

Abstract: A structure includes a structure surface and a protective cover. The protective cover includes a circuit having a component, a moisture detector, and a radio frequency transmitter. The component is adhesively connected to the structure surface with an adhesive connection. The moisture detector is positioned to provide information about moisture in the protective cover. The circuit is for providing data derived from the component and from the moisture detector to the radio frequency transmitter for external transmission. The component may be a strain sensor. The moisture detector may be a capacitor. A moisture barrier may also be provided.

Abstract: An in-situ apparatus is provided for monitoring the state of stress/strain and cracking in a die surface. The apparatus may also be used to facilitate the prudent removal of the die from the surface so that it may be repaired before catastrophic failure occurs. Accordingly, the yield of a process used to generate die cast structures may be greatly increased.

Abstract: A system for structural assessment is described that comprises a plurality of sensors and a surface covering for at least a portion of a structure. The sensors are arranged in a pattern and attached to the surface covering. The surface covering is attached to a surface of a structure, and the sensors are configured to provide signals relating to the integrity of the structure to an external device.

Abstract: A force measuring apparatus comprises has a force-transmitting component, that holds a strain measuring element with a carrier element and a displacement transducer. The carrier element has two fixing sections at a predefined distance from each other in a direction of the strain with which it is fixed to the component. Furthermore, the carrier element has a strain section, which is provided between the fixing sections and which has a shorter length in the direction of the strain than the distance between the fixing sections, and which has a smaller cross section than the remaining carrier element. The displacement transducer is connected to the strain section in order to register the strain of the strain section.

Abstract: A system that uses capsules or micro-capsules containing a dye or indicator embedded in a polymer matrix to indicate or measure the degradation of structural materials. The capsules can contain an agent that will be transparent or not detected when the capsule is intact. When the capsule is ruptured, the agent will be either visible to the human eye or measurable by other detection methods. The indicator can either activate upon release or be already activated but not readily visible or detectable in the capsule. An activator compound also can be distributed in the bulk material matrix that activates the indicator upon release. For totally opaque materials like concrete or metal, a surface coating or applied tape containing the capsules can be used.

Abstract: A strain sensor comprising a metal substrate, a first electrode provided on the metal substrate, a glass layer formed on the first electrode, and a second electrode and a strain detecting resistor provided on the glass layer. In the strain sensor, the insulation resistance between the metal substrate and the second electrode has been raised, and the reliability is high. It can be implemented at low cost.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing structural test data are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes applying a sequence of loads to a test article, receiving raw test data indicative of the applied loads from at least one sensor operatively associated with the test article, receiving predicted test data indicative of the predicted loads on the test article, filtering out invalid test data, cycle counting to pair loads in the test data, performing a first fatigue damage computation based on the raw test data, performing a second fatigue damage computation based on the predicted test data, and comparing the first and second fatigue damage computations. The filtering, cycle counting, and performing of the first and second fatigue damage computations, and the comparison of the first and second fatigue damage computations, may be performed simultaneously using a spreadsheet program.

Abstract: A strain sensor comprising a metal substrate, a first electrode provided on the metal substrate, a glass layer formed on the first electrode, and a second electrode and a strain detecting resistor provided on the glass layer. In the strain sensor, the insulation resistance between the metal substrate and the second electrode has been raised, and the reliability is high. It can be implemented at low cost.

Abstract: A new family of multifunctional smart coatings based on of stabilized diamond-like metal-carbon atomic scale composites and diamond-like atomic-scale composite (DL ASC) materials. Based on a unique combination of the coating fine structure, properties of the coating/substrate interface, and the mechanical and electrical properties of the coating, the disclosed smart coatings would integrate various high resolution sensors and interconnections, and the sensor would diagnose dangerous stress distribution in the coated subject with no distortion in real time, while these diamond-like coatings would simultaneously provide environmental protection of the coated surface and improve its aerodynamic quality.

Abstract: A thick film resistor strain gauge is applied to a stainless steel shell portion of a spark plug. There are two preferable ways of applying a thick film resistor to the metal shell. In a first embodiment, the thick film resistor may be directly printed on to the shell portion with special screen printing equipment. In a second embodiment, the thick film resistor is printed and applied as a decal to the shell portion. The thick film resistors may be included in a quarter, a half, or a full wheatstone bridge strain gauge circuit. One of two embodiments of an automatic drift compensating circuit is used to determine the change in resistance experienced by the thick film resistors affixed to the spark plug. Either one of the automatic drift compensation circuits output a voltage signal which is proportional to the pressure changes occurring inside the engine cylinder into which the spark plug is threaded.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring magnetostriction of and/or magnetic thin film is constructed by depositing a thin film nonferromagnetic electrically insulating layer followed by a thin film layer of a sensor material which is piezoresistive and nonferromagnetic. The insulating and the piezoresistive film can be etched into an appropriate pattern and orientation to provide sensitivity to strain in the magnetic film. The magnetostrictive strain in the magnetic film is induced by a known magnetic field which produces a corresponding strain in the piezoresistive film which can be measured as a change in the electrical resistance which can be detected by external probes or other measuring means. The measurement of the magnetostriction can be performed as a part of the manufacturing process for wafers with a plurality of thin film magnetic heads thereon and does not require that the wafers be removed to a laboratory.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interrogating a resonator to monitor its resonance characteristics (e.g. resonant frequency) in an especially energy efficient manner, particularly changes to the characteristics over time. The resonator is pulsed and the response thereto sampled. By comparison of samples of the response to sequential pulses, sampled at the same times after pulse initiation, one can infer phase changes between the responses, and hence infer changes in resonance characteristics. Preferably, one calibrates the resonator's time response initially as a reference, which permits subsequent determination of the resonance state with only one digital sample per pulse. In one embodiment, the invention this detection scheme is used as a chemical detector. The resonator is an electo-acoustic device, having plural Bragg gratings, with a different adsorptive material atop each grating which adsorbs one selected chemical particularly well.

Abstract: A sensor device (1-5) has a sensing surface on which, in use, first molecules (5) are immobilized. The first molecules (5) are capable of interaction with second molecules which may be present in a sample of fluid applied to the sensing surface, such interaction resulting in a measurable change of some physical property of the sensor device. The sensing surface is coated with a layer (4) of diamond-like carbon to protect and preserve the integrity of the sensing surface.

Abstract: A temperature compensation element for a high-temperature strain gage and the method of fabricating the same. Preferably, the element is a “dummy” strain gage not mechanically attached to the substrate. The element is encapsulated in an insulative material and used to compensate an active high-temperature strain gage and wired in a half-bridge configuration. The temperature compensation element and high-temperature strain gage are fabricated using the method of the present invention. This method includes temporarily adhering the element to a heat sink, encapsulated in an insulative material and then removed from the heat sink. Next, the element is either stacked or placed near the active gage. Ideally, the element and the active gage have substantially similar heat transfer and electrical properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to strain or stress sensors which include a first planar conductive element, a second planar conductive element, and a flexible graphite sheet sandwiched between the first and second planar conductive elements. The flexible graphite sheet includes a mass of expanded graphite particles compressed together in the absence of a binder. Prior to compression, the expanded graphite particles have a c direction dimension which is at least 80 times that of the graphite particles from which the expanded particles are formed. The sensor is configured so that compression of the sensor causes a change in resistance which can be correlated to strain or stress. The present invention also relates to a strain or stress sensor which includes a polymeric composite, a first electrically conductive lead connected to a first point on or in the polymeric composite, and a second electrically conductive lead connected to a second point on or in the polymeric composite.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanical sensor high in sensitivity (GF) and reliability. The mechanical sensor comprises an insulating substrate, a pair of electrodes formed on the insulating substrate, and a piezoresistance element formed by connecting the electrodes. The piezoresistance element is substantially made of a glass of the PbO--SiO.sub.2 --B.sub.2 --O.sub.3 --Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 system comprising 73.1 to 86.7 wt % of PbO, 9.7 to 22.2 wt % of SiO.sub.2, 2.5 to 5.0 wt % of B.sub.2 O.sub.3 and 0.9 to 3.6 wt % of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and a ruthenium oxide powder dispersed in the glass. The piezoresistance element is formed by coating and baking a paste containing the ruthenium oxide powder, a powder of the glass and an organic binder.

Abstract: A device for detecting fractures or corrosion in a workpiece having a non-conductive outer surface. A thin film layer of metallic material comprising a plurality of separate crack detection wires is bonded to the non-conductive surface of the workpiece. A top coating of protective material is applied to the thin film layer to protect the detection wires from abrasion and corrosion. When an electrical current is transmitted through the detection wires, a predictable resistivity pattern is viewable on a monitor. As a fracture propagates through the workpiece causing the crack detection wires to break one-by-one, the change in resistivity of the wires can be monitored and the existence and extent of any fracture or corrosion to the wires determined.

Abstract: A method for measuring growth and magnitude of structural damage in a structure such as an airframe, as reflected by growth of a crack therein, by securing to a structural portion thereof at least one ligament assembly whose properties replicate such damage. The ligament assembly has a metallic load test coupon having a loading response substantially identical to a loading response of the structural portion and an artificial flaw simulating a metallurgical crack. The crack has a growth rate magnitude substantially identical to a magnitude of structural damage of the structural portion as such damage occurs. A crack growth measurement gage is in alignment with the crack of the test coupon and in communication with a recorder unit to record crack growth, and crack growth is compared to correlated structural damage of the structural portion as associated with such growth.

Abstract: A strain gauge device for detecting force applied to a planar structure, the device including a capacitor having two spaced conductive surfaces, and a dielectric material between the conductive surfaces with a dielectric constant that varies in relation to strain force normal to the surfaces. In one embodiment, the dielectric material is realized in the form of a pair of facing linear molecule monolayers attached endwise to the respective conductive layers and oriented at an oblique angle to the layers.

Abstract: A mechanical sensor, comprising a ferromagnetic layer having magnetostriction, a ferromagnetic layer having magneto-resistance effect, a magnetic field generating means which excites these ferromagnetic layers, and a substrate which supports all these elements integrally, can be attained, which is small, thin, highly sensitive, and is capable of integration, by detecting a change of magnetic flux density passing through the ferromagnetic layers resulting from a change of magnetic properties caused by stress as a change of resistance value arising from magneto-resistance effect. As a result, a small, thin, and highly sensitive mechanical sensor can be provided using stress magnetic effect. Furthermore, based on the anisotropy of detection sensitivity, intensity of the stress along a certain direction can be detected selectively.

Abstract: An element (e.g., a sensor) has a fine-line thin film of a conductor formed on a non-conductive substrate, and a change of physical properties (e.g., deformation) of the substrate or the ambient environment is detected through a change in physical properties of the conductor. The element is manufactured by forming a layered film, composed of a semiconductor and a conductor, on the substrate, and forcibly diffusing part of this film, e.g., by selective irradiation with high-energy ions, to form this part into an alloy semi-conductor, thereby providing a two-dimensional pattern of the fine lines of the conductor and the semiconductor. By arranging a plurality of fine lines of a conductor transversely to a direction of growth of a crack in the substrate, crack in the substrate is detected through a change in electrical resistance of the fine lines. A dissolved oxygen sensor, a hydrogen sensor, and an electrical conductivity sensor (of an ambient medium) can also be provided.

Abstract: A strain gage or a measuring transducer equipped with such a strain gage has, for supporting the measuring grid structure, a backing made of a polyphenylenesulfide film. Such a backing assures a plurality of desirable characteristics simultaneously and equally well for each characteristic.

Abstract: Sensors responsive to small changes in the concentration of chemical species are disclosed, comprising (a) a mechanochemically responsive polymeric film capable of expansion or contraction in response to a change in its chemical environment, operatively coupled to (b) a transducer capable of directly converting said expansion or contraction to a measurable electrical response.