High-sensitivity strain visualization using electroluminescence technologies

Jian Xu, Hongki Jo

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Visualizing mechanical strain/stress changes is an emerging area in structural health monitoring. Several ways are available for strain change visualization through the color/brightness change of the materials subjected to the mechanical stresses, for example, using mechanoluminescence (ML) materials and mechanoresponsive polymers (MRP). However, these approaches were not effectively applicable for civil engineering system yet, due to insufficient sensitivity to low-level strain of typical civil structures and limitation in measuring both static and dynamic strain. In this study, design and validation for high-sensitivity strain visualization using electroluminescence technologies are presented. A high-sensitivity Wheatstone bridge, of which bridge balance is precisely controllable circuits, is used with a gain-Adjustable amplifier. The monochrome electroluminescence (EL) technology is employed to convert both static and dynamic strain change into brightness/color change of the EL materials, through either brightness change mode (BCM) or color alternation mode (CAM). A prototype has been made and calibrated in lab, the linearity between strain and brightness change has been investigated.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationSensors and Smart Structures Technologies for Civil, Mechanical, and Aerospace Systems 2016
EditorsJerome P. Lynch
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510600447
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016
EventSensors and Smart Structures Technologies for Civil, Mechanical, and Aerospace Systems 2016 - Las Vegas, United States
Duration: Mar 21 2016Mar 24 2016

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume9803
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Other

OtherSensors and Smart Structures Technologies for Civil, Mechanical, and Aerospace Systems 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLas Vegas
Period3/21/163/24/16

Keywords

  • Electroluminescence
  • High-sensitivity
  • Strain
  • Visualization

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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