Abstract: A continuous flow structural health monitoring system for detecting a crack in a component or structure comprises a pressure source, a fluidic circuit and a measurement system. The pressure source supplies fluid at a regulated pressure relative to ambient pressure. The fluidic circuit couples at one end to the pressure source and opens at an opposite end to ambient pressure. The pressure source produces a substantially constant and continuous flow of fluid through the fluidic circuit. The fluidic circuit has a first passage having a first surface portion of the component or structure. The measurement system monitors perturbations in the flow of fluid through the first passage to provide an indication of structural health of the component or structure.

Abstract: A continuous flow structural health monitoring system for detecting a crack in a component or structure comprises a pressure source, a fluidic circuit and a measurement system. The pressure source supplies fluid at a regulated pressure relative to ambient pressure. The fluidic circuit couples at one end to the pressure source and opens at an opposite end to ambient pressure. The pressure source produces a substantially constant and continuous flow of fluid through the fluidic circuit. The fluidic circuit has a first passage having a first surface portion of the component or structure. The measurement system monitors perturbations in the flow of fluid through the first passage to provide an indication of structural health of the component or structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method monitoring the health of structural joints by monitoring the strain developed near the joint due to perturbation applied away from that joint and comparing the monitored ratio between near field and far field strain to strain ratio which develops in a healthy joint due to comparable perturbation. The system for monitoring joints comprises: at least one near field strain measuring device installed near a monitored joint for monitoring the induced strain; at least one far field strain measuring device installed away from monitored joint indicating, measuring or producing the perturbation; and a data processor connected to said near field strain measuring device and to said near field strain measuring device for analyzing the response of the structure to the perturbation and determining the integrity of said joint.

Abstract: A significant number of rescue workers are killed or injured each year as they conduct searches within damaged or burning structures, unaware that the structure is in imminent danger of collapse. The present invention provides a system and method for detecting and monitoring structural damages which are irreversible and which lead to inevitable collapse of a building or structure. The system includes at least one accelerometer that is housed in a device that is mounted on an exterior surface outside the burn area, and within the reach of the rescue worker. The device communicates with a remote display that provides visual and/or audible signals to indicate imminent collapse of the structure. Additionally, the system includes collapse detecting analysis processes for determining the likelihood of collapse.