Numerical analysis in structural identification by smart material

The advent of smart materials such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT) has been a popular choice in the field of structural health monitoring (SHM) based on non-destructive evaluation (NDE). It provides advantages such as autonomous, real-time and online, remote monitoring could provide a cost-effective and reliable alternative to the conventional SHM techniques. This is very useful in civil engineering where the structures monitored are generally big and has numerous inaccessible locations. In this project, investigations on Electro-Mechanical Impedance (EMI) technique employing PZT, which aims to predict structure’s health, were conducted numerically using Finite Element Method (FEM) with software ANSYS 11.0. The resulting admittance is compared to the experimental counterparts. This project conducted modeling of freely suspended PZT patch for frequency range up to 1000 kHz to understand PZT behavior, dynamic interactions between structures and PZT up to 400 kHz, and comparison of admittance signatures from modeling of PZT and structure interaction with and without presence of bonding element. Structural and PZT’s resonance peaks were well predicted. 0.2mm element size was optimal enough for freely suspended PZT patch, and 0.833mm element size could predict quite accurately interaction between structure and PZT. Explanations were presented to describe unpredicted modal frequencies and difference in actual and predicted peak magnitudes.Bachelor of Engineering (Civil