Acousto ultrasonic method for structural health monitoring using insitu Piezoelectric Coating

This report presents our investigation on acousto ultrasonic method of structural health monitoring using insitu piezoceramic coating. Integrated piezoelectric-based acousto ultrasonic transducers (AUTs) are developed by thick film coating using handheld and readily accessible equipments. Approach of nano fabrication for composite sol–gel spray coating is adopted. These AUTs are developed directly onto the surface of aerospace grade material (Al alloys, CFRP and GFRP) at desired locations in distributed fashion using simple shadow mask. The strain compatibility and the integration issues of the coating with the host structure have been discussed. Structural, mechanical and electromechanical properties of the coated films have been studied. Results are discussed in detail