Application Cases

Scaffold systems with couplers are one of the most commonly used formwork support types in engineering construction. The coupler nodes in the support structure are the locations where stress is most complex and concentrated. Once damage occurs, it can lead to node connection failure, subsequently triggering the collapse of the entire formwork support system and resulting in engineering accidents caused by such failures. Therefore, a method for monitoring the connection status of coupler nodes in scaffold systems, based on piezoelectric active sensing technology, is proposed and studied to ensure the safe operation of formwork support structures and reduce construction accidents.

Regarding connection monitoring research, Aigtek's ATA-2000 series power amplifiers are widely used in this field. Different instruments are available to suit varying voltage and power requirements, capable of driving most piezoelectric transducers on the market.

Experimental Name: Connection Status Monitoring Test of Support Scaffold Nodes Based on Piezoelectric Sensing Technology

Experimental Principle: Utilizing the excellent electromechanical coupling characteristics of piezoelectric ceramic sensors, when damage occurs in the structure under test causing changes in its dynamic characteristics, the electrical impedance signals of the PZT patches bonded to the surface or embedded within the structure will also change significantly. By comparing and analyzing the changes in electrical impedance signals before and after damage, whether the test specimen has incurred damage can be determined.

Experimental Block Diagram:

Laboratory Setup Photo:

Experimental Process: A Gaussian pulse signal is generated using a data acquisition card, amplified by a power amplifier, and used to excite PZT1 on Steel Pipe 1. PZT1 then generates a stress wave through the piezoelectric effect, which propagates along the structure's interior and surface. The stress wave signal then passes through the contact surface between the coupler and the steel pipe to Steel Pipe 2 and is received by PZT2 attached to it. The received signal is time-reversed in a LabVIEW program and re-emitted via PZT2. The signal then focuses at the wave source, PZT1, is collected, and sent to a computer for data processing. Finally, the focused signal peaks under various torque conditions are compared to determine changes in the connection status of the coupler node.

Application Fields: Electromagnetic Testing, Core Testing, Magnetic Material Application Testing

Application Scenarios: Steel Rod Damage Detection, Piezoelectric Vibration Acoustic Wave Detection, Concrete Acoustic Testing, Frame Model Structure Damage Detection, etc.

Product Recommendation: ATA-2000 Series High-Voltage Amplifier

Figure: ATA-2000 Series High-Voltage Amplifier Specifications and Parameters

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