Microstrain

Energy Harvesting, Wireless, Structural Health Monitoring and Reporting Systems

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Energy harvesting, combined with wireless sensors, could greatly improve our ability to monitor and maintain critical structures. This paper reports on the development of an integrated structural health monitoring and reporting (SHMR) system for use on Navy aircraft. We have previously reported on energy harvesting, wireless sensor modules which have passed MIL-STD-810F tests for vibration, shock, humidity, and temperature extremes. These modules were integrated into the pitch link of a Bell M412 helicopter. In February 2007, the first successful flight test of an energy harvesting wireless sensor was achieved. Pitch link loads were recorded and periodically transmitted into the cabin during flight. The flight test proved that our e-harvesting load sensor can operate continually without battery maintenance. The direct measurement of operational loads enables accurate fatigue tracking of these critical rotating structures.