Load and structural health monitoring of a scaled CFRP rudder stock using electro-mechanical impedance technique

In this work, we present the design and realization of a scaled rudder stock sample with structural embedded strain gauges and piezoelectric transducers. While the strain gauges register the loading, the electro-mechanical impedance technique is used for the assessment of the structural conditions. The experimental data acquisition is based on a dedicated multichannel EMI device that supports high frequencies (up to 1 MHz) and high currents (up to 2A) so that highly attenuated materials such as the proposed CFRP rudder stock can be inspected. Experimental results will be presented for this combined load and structural health monitoring (L-SHM) system from a laboratory investigation where the rudder stock sample was loaded with bending and torsional loads. A damage indicator is defined in the frequency domain and used for the analysis of different structural conditions. The diagnostic content of multiple piezoelectric transducers arranged on the circumference will be evaluated and compared.