Fracture detecting structural health sensor

摘要

A sensor device (100) for monitoring and testing the integrity of structural elements (102) is disclosed. A frangible membrane (104) including a thin breakable conductor sense loop (106) is bonded to a structural element (102) to be tested. A fracture in the bonded structural element induces a disruption in the both the frangible membrane (104) and the thin breakable conductor sense loop (106). Measured electrical property change of the disrupted conductor sense loop reveals the fracture in the structural element. Connection to the sensor device may be through a connector or using a wireless reader which remotely energizes the sensor device. The sensor may also be implemented as a gasket and/or employ weep holes (114) to the breakable conductor (106) to reveal possible corrosion as well.