An Ultrasonic Wireless Sensor Network for Data Communication and Structural Health Monitoring

Typical Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) uses embedded ultrasonic transducers exclusively for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) purposes, whereas data transfer is performed over separate wireless radio frequency (RF) links. Ultrasonic systems, however, are also effective as a communication technology, and in fact may prove to have crucial advantages over RF-based sensor networks in certain scenarios. In this proposal, X-wave Innovations, Inc. (XII) and University of Maryland Easton Shore (UMES) outline an innovative Self-powered Ultrasonic Wireless Sensor Network (SUWSN) technology, which performs simultaneous NDE and wireless data communication. Our communication approach is based on a special modulation technique that mitigates the dispersive nature of the ultrasonic channel and allows the simultaneous determination of structural health. For the Phase I program, we will prototype a SUWSN system and demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed technique for simultaneous data communication and NDI/SHM. For the Phase II program, we will focus on refining the SUWSN prototype system design and development with improved hardware and software. For the Phase III program, XII will focus on optimizing the SUWSN performance and collaborating with our commercial partners to improve and package the SUWSN technology into a turnkey commercially-available system.

NASA has great interest in methods and approaches for intelligent wireless monitoring of structural health and sensing in aircrafts. Wireless communications has been identified as a promising technology that could enable aircraft health monitoring in difficult to reach locations while reducing or eliminating the weight and logistical burden of using wires for sensing.

We envision that the proposed system has many market applications in different industries such as exploration, defense, aviation, and civil and environmental engineering sectors. Other government agencies, including DoD, DOE, DOT will benefit from this technology. Wireless technologies for SHM and other applications are constantly being sought in many markets, especially those that require constant real-time monitoring of large structures.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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