Structural Monitoring Systems Ltd

Kenneth John Davey

Nigel Laxton

A sensor for detecting surface cracks in a component or structure. A preferred embodiment of the device comprises a flat body portion with a central hole through which a main structural bolt passes. The body portion has a throughway providing fluid communication between an exterior port and a substantially hermetically-sealed area on the structural surface being monitored. A crack which develops in the monitored area surrounding the bolt hole will cause venting of the hermetically-sealed area, in turn causing a change in fluid pressure that can be detected and/or measured to warn of the presence of the crack.

Sensor for detecting surface cracks in a component or structure

A method for monitoring the integrity of a permeable structure that is disposed in an environment containing a fluid at ambient pressure is provided. At least one cavity is formed in or on the permeable structure. A source of first fluid is provided at a first pressure greater than the ambient pressure. The cavity is coupled to the source through a high-fluid-flow impedance to establish a flow of the first fluid through the permeable structure via the cavity. A rate of flow of the first fluid through the permeable structure is allowed to stabilize to a steady-state rate. A change in the steady-state flow rate of the first fluid through the permeable structure is monitored.

Method and apparatus for monitoring the integrity of components and structures

A system for monitoring a structure includes cavities on an outer surface and a fluid source at substantially constant pressure coupled to the cavities through high fluid impedances to create pressure differentials therebetween. A telemetry system has pressure differential switches across each of the high impedances for monitoring differential pressure changes across the impedances and providing a signal indicative of the location of the cavity associated with the high impedance across which the change is monitored. A fluid capacitance is associated with each cavity and the corresponding impedances to facilitate a transient fluid flow through the impedances. The transient flow is produced by temporarily coupling the cavities to the reference pressure and then recoupling to the source, producing transient fluid flow through the fluid capacitance and a consequential transient differential pressure sequentially across each of the high fluid impedance devices, thereby inducing sequential cyclical switching of the differential pressure switches.

Self-monitoring method and apparatus for condition monitoring of a structure

A system for continuously monitoring the integrity of a structure includes a sensor pad having a surface . The surface is provided with a set of first channels and interspersed second channels . Surface is sealed onto the surface of structure so that the channels together with surface form respective sets of first and second cavities and . The first cavities are placed in fluid communication with a vacuum source via a third channel . The second cavities are vented to the atmosphere via a fourth channel , through hole , and conduit . A high impedance is placed in series between the vacuum source and the first cavities . A differential pressure transducer is connected across the high impedance and monitors for change in vacuum condition between the vacuum source and the vacuum in the cavities . If a fault were to develop in structure opening onto surface and propagate to form a fluid communication path between one of the cavities and adjacent cavity there will be a change in the vacuum condition of the cavity which will be detected by the transducer

System and method for the detection and propagation measurement of flaws in a component or structure

Apparatus for measuring permeability of a material includes a substantially constant vacuum source coupled via duct to a fluid capacitance vessel which contains pressure transducer coupled by conductors to an amplifier and display for monitoring the source . Fluid impervious disc is provided with placement on surface on the material to define, between disc and surface a fluid flow cavity . Disc is coupled by conduit to a restriction tube which provides a high impedance to fluid flow. An opposite end of the restriction tube is in fluid communication with vessel . A transducer is coupled across restriction tube to provide a measure of fluid flow. Fluid impervious seal forms a seal about the periphery of disc and extends radially outwardly on the surface . Assuming the material has some degree of permeability, air will be able to permeate through the material from beyond the periphery of the seal and to the cavity . This flow produces a steady state of pressure differential across the tube which is detected by transducer and which can be read from display , to provide a measure of permeability.

Apparatus and method for measurement of permeability or strain in permeable materials

Apparatus for condition monitoring the integrity of a rivet joint holding together sheets and of a structure includes a substantially fluid impervious pad for covering the heads of the rivets and an adjacent surface of the structure The pad has a first surface for placement over the rivets and the surface An inner portion of the surface is formed or otherwise configured to define a fluid flow region between the pad and the rivets /surface across which fluid can flow. The region is coupled to a constant vacuum source via a conduit and a series coupled high fluid flow impedance A transducer and display coupled in parallel across the impedance provides an indication of change in differential pressure across the high impedance which in turn provides an indication of the presence or development of a flaw in the rivets joint.

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Osborne Park, Australia

Kenneth John Davey