Strain state detection in composite structures: Review and new challenges

Developing an advanced monitoring system for strain measurements on structural components represents a significant task, both in relation to testing of in-service parameters and early identification of structural problems. This paper aims to provide a state-of-the-art review on strain detection techniques in composite structures. The review represented a good opportunity for direct comparison of different novel strain measurement techniques. Fibers Bragg grating (FBG) was discussed as well as non-contact techniques together with semiconductor strain gauges (SGs), specifically infrared (IR) thermography and the digital image correlation (DIC) applied in order to detect strain and failure growth during the tests. The challenges of the research community are finally discussed by opening the current scenario to new objectives and industrial applications

Preface to the Special Issue on the New Frontiers of Acoustic Modeling and Optimization

The field of acoustics involves the study of sound propagation, both in free and closed environments, through the development of both forecasting simulations and experimental techniques [1–8]. Currently, such science finds its applications covering several engineering sectors, especially when it is necessary to evaluate the sound response in mid- and high frequency ranges. The purpose of acoustic modeling is to design “systems” (aeronautical, buildings, engines, electronic, etc.) that are more comfortable and functionally more efficient. From this perspective, the development of effective tools for acoustic prediction and optimization is a challenge for the research community, as the qualification processes need to be streamlined to reduce high computational/testing efforts. The main issues of theoretical modeling include the discretization of disturbance sources, stochastic signal processing, active/passive noise control studies, the optimization of genetic algorithms, and neural network implementation, which are among the most interesting topics yet to be covered in-depth. For this Special Issue (belonging to the section “Acoustics and Vibrations”), the Editors encourage the submission of novel contributions (papers, technical reports, and broad reviews) from members of the technical-scientific community involved in the advancement of predictive methods and in the study of solutions aimed at noise identification/optimization. This initiative will help readers understand various acoustic modeling issues with comprehensive details. Research methods can include numerical validations, experimental studies, and the development of new certification standards, presenting the state-of-the-art results that will have a significant impact on academic interest and industrial growth. Potential future directions could be presented, relying on advanced trends, but also on existing research limitations

Vibration parameters for impact detection of composite panel: A neural network based approach

The need for reliable methodologies for structural monitoring is certainly a current line of research in many engineering sectors. The detection of the impact on composite materials is in fact a recent subject of study, aimed at safeguarding the mechanical integrity and improving the useful life of structural components. In such a context, the work deals with evaluation of the use of neural algorithms for localizing the position of the impacts on composite structures. Starting from FE (finite element) simulations, representative of the dynamic response of a CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer) panel as a benchmark, the approach has been finally validated experimentally by modal parameters identification

SISO Piezo based circuit development for active structural vibration control

This paper deals with the issue of developing a smart vibration control platform following an innovative model‐based approach. As a matter of fact, obtaining accurate information on system response in pre‐design and design phases may reduce both computational and experimental efforts. From this perspective, a multi‐degree‐of‐freedom (MDOF) electro‐mechanical coupled system has been numerically schematized implementing a finite element formulation: a robust simulation tool integrating finite element model (FEM) features with Simulink® capabilities has been developed. Piezo strain actuation has been modelled with a 2D finite element description: the effects exerted on the structure (converse effect) have been applied as lumped loads at the piezo nodes interface. The sensing (direct effect) has instead been modelled with a 2D piezoelectric constitutive equation and experimentally validated as well. The theoretical study led to the practical development of an integrated circuit which allowed for assessing the vibration control performance. The analysis of critical parameters, description of integrated numerical models, and a discussion of experimental results are addressed step by step to get a global overview of the engineering process. The single mode control has been experimentally validated for a simple benchmark like an aluminum cantilevered beam. The piezo sensor‐actuator collocated couple has been placed according to an optimization process based on the maximum stored electrical energy. Finally, a good level of correlation has been observed between the forecasting model and the experimental application: the frequency analysis allowed for characterizing the piezo couple behavior even far from the resonance peak

An Artificial Neural Network based approach for impact detection on composite panel for aerospace application

Fleet maintenance and safety aspects represent a strategic aspect in the managing of the modern aircraft fleets. The demand for efficient techniques of system and structure’s monitoring represent so a key aspect in the design of new generation aircraft. This is even more significant for composite structures that can be highly susceptible to delamination of the ply, which is often very difficult to detect externally and can lead to a dramatic reduction of design strength and service life, as a consequence of impact damage. The purpose of the work is the presentation of an innovative application within the Non Destructive Testing field based upon vibration measurements. The aim of the research has been the development of a Non Destructive Test (NDT) which meets most of the mandatory requirements for effective health monitoring systems while, at the same time, reducing as much as possible the complexity of the data analysis algorithm and the experimental acquisition instrumentation

Acoustic properties of materials: A comparison of numerical and experimental methods

Acoustic simulations provide today a valid tool to simulate complex environments and complex interaction between acoustic and structure. Multiple methods are nowadays available with different degrees of accuracy and different applications. Simulation methods cover a wide frequency range with FE methods dominating the low frequency range. SEA mostly covers high frequency range with BEM covering an intermediate frequency range. Ray-tracing can work on the entire frequency range and is used when a large domain must be simulated. These methods require acoustic properties of materials to be implemented such as acoustic impedance or absorption and STL. The aim of this paper is to show different methods to provide these properties and discuss about the equivalence/difference of the numerical and experimental approaches under specific assumptions

AN INNOVATIVE VISCOELASTIC TREATMENT FOR THE INTERNAL NOISE REDUCTION IN A REGIONAL AIRCRAFT

The improvement of interior comfort is becoming an increasingly required target in the transport engineering field, with particular attention to the aviation one. Generally, an aircraft is affected by several noise sources, from the engine power unit to the broadband components, related to the turbulent boundary layer (TBL). In this contest, the leading industries, in cooperation with research centers and universities, are actually employed in the development of innovative passive/active solutions for the internal noise as well as vibrations control: such technological implications must, on the one hand, satisfy these design requirements as well as meet the current airworthiness regulations. The paper deals with the vibro-acoustic testing activity on a typical turboprop fuselage subjected to different external load conditions: the damping ratio and the transmission loss characterization has been performed for several materials, including two innovative viscoelastic treatments too. The results highlighted a very good behaviour of the novel viscoelastic foams in terms of both acoustic and thermal performance when compared to standard blanket supported by extra viscoelastic treatments offering a very interesting self-embedded solution with a good weight to performance ratio

Automotive Materials: An Experimental Investigation of an Engine Bay Acoustic Performances

Abstract In this work an extensively experimental analysis aimed to verify the sound insulation properties of the engine bay of a commercial passenger car is carried out, evaluating the possibility to adopt different sound absorbing materials, to be applied under engine cover nylon skin, in the place of commonly used polyurethane foams. Experimental tests were performed on the vehicle at different stationary operating conditions, employing typical pressure microphones for far field measurements, according to the related prescribed standards. A limited number of materials has been initially selected through a preliminary analysis, and then employed for creating different engine cover configurations, which were subsequently tested in real engine operating conditions. For a good understanding of the obtained results, an experimental investigation through an innovative in situ impedance method aimed to assess acoustic properties of each considered material has been also performed. Among all the tested materials, only one able to ensure better acoustic performance at mid and high frequencies with respect to the already existing cover configuration, has been finally identified, after considering other selection criteria such as an adequate high temperature resistance and the most cost-effective solution. Future analyses will regard investigations on the use of additional materials, for solving problem in attenuating engine noise also at low frequencies

Bidimensional ray tracing model for the underwater noise propagation prediction

An increasing attention has recently been paid to the effect of the underwater noise field generated by ship activities on the marine environment. Although this problem is widely discussed in international treaties and conventions, it has not yet found a consolidated technical-scientific treatment capable of quantifying the level of underwater noise emissions produced by naval systems. As part of a national research collaboration, a novel code has been developed to predict noise propagation according to the Ray Tracing approach. Such optical geometry-based technique allows for calculating the Transmission Loss (TL) trend in its respective contributions: geometrical loss (due to the distance between the source and receiver), dissipation loss (due to the characteristics of the propagation environment), and reflection loss (due to the surfaces that delimit the field). The simulation requires as input parameters the source info as spatial position, frequency, and sound pressure level (SPL) as well as the sea properties like seabed depth, the speed of sound profile, the layers thickness the water column is divided into, the sea salinity, temperature, and pH. The simulation code provides the SPL spatial distribution useful as a fast industrial tool in the future studies addressed to identify the emission limits for the protection of marine wildlife