PVDF based sensing

PVDF as actuator for metal structure damage detection.

Challenge: extreme large impedance mismatching; weak excitation & weak signal; extreme large captive response to be compensated.

PVDF films attached to steel beam. PVDF films adopted as actuator and sensor. Special signal processing strategies are adopted.

Frequency responses measured by PVDF as actuators (left) and base excitation (right).

Using PVDF as actuator can effectively measure the structural natural frequencies. The results agree with that measured by the traditional method very well.

Publications:

Xin Zhang, Jiawen Xu*, Ruqiang Yan, “A Structural Impedance Measurement Method by Using Polyvinylidene Fluoride as Actuator and Sensor,” Review of Scientific Instrument, 91(8), 2020.