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Sensors Provide Early Diagnosis Of Microcracks In Aircraft |
 Today's aircraft are in service virtually around the clock and must operate reliably and safely at all times. An active sensor system helps to detect concealed fatigue cracks in aircraft bodies, thus reducing maintenance times considerably.
If a tiny crack in the hull of an aircraft remains undetected for a long time, it can easily spread and put passengers’ lives at risk. Each component is therefore subject to international maintenance regulations: Aircraft bodies must be thoroughly inspected every 15 to 18 months, depending on the type of plane. This often requires the technicians to dismantle an aircraft’s interior lining – an expensive and time-consuming process involving several days of downtime in the hangar. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF in Darmstadt are developing a sensor system that allows engineers to continuously monitor the condition of their aircraft and detect any damage at an early stage.
The system is based on piezoceramic sensors that are attached to the aircraft body in a network pattern. What is special about these sensors is that they start to oscillate when a voltage is applied to them – and when they are subjected to pressure, they generate voltage. The scientists make use of both effects: While the piezo foils cause part of the hull to oscillate, the others measure the component’s response to this stimulation. “We investigated the oscillation behavior of damaged struts and rivets in an aircraft body and compared it with that of intact parts,” explains LBF project manager Dirk Mayer. “If a component is defective, it oscillates at a different frequency from one that is intact when stimulated by the piezoceramics – just as a cracked glass sounds different from an undamaged one when you tap it with your fingernail.” In this way, the researchers can accurately track down faults and monitor their development – be it fatigue cracks in the hull and wings, or rivets and other joining parts coming loose. This form of observation is also referred to as ‘structural health monitoring’ (SHM).
“With the help of this system, any damage behind the lining or in difficult-to-reach places can be identified quickly and easily, thus reducing maintenance times and inspection costs,” says Mayer. The researchers have already performed tests on a hull component in the laboratory, and are now implementing the new technology with standardized piezo and electronic components. The system will then also be suitable for use in vehicle manufacture or engine and plant construction.
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Dear Editor,
I hope you can help me or at least point me in the right direction. My neighbor just put up a huge CB Radio antennea, the thing is higher that the roof of his home, the problem is, now I have interference through our television set speakers. We can hear him speaking although it is not too clear. How can I fix the problem so that we can watch t.v. without hearing this noise? Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerly,
Donna R.
Dear Donna,
If your neighbor's transmissions are interfering with your TV, the best thing for you to do is complain to the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC investigates cases of interference and they will determine if your neighbor's transmissions contain out-of-band signals. You might also try talking to your neighbor. If his antenna is for amateur radio rather than Citizens Band, "ham" radio operators have a policy of supplying a free filter for your TV in such cases.
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ElectronicDesignNet News
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We scan the wires, web sites, blogs and news media for the most interesting and relevant information, then summarize it for you in a convenient format, organized by topic areas during the week:
You can stay on top of things without wasting your precious time sifting through lots of noise. Subscribe to our digest and receive it in your eMail, or come to our site and read it in your web browser. Digest eMail subscriptions can be managed on the Newsletters tab of the "My Settings - Edit Profile" page once you register.
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In-Situ Releases Two Water Level Meters |
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Product Showcase - Friday
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Wednesday, 16 May 2007 |
In-Situ announces the release of the Level Tape 100 and Level Tape 200 water level meters for level measuring in wells or bore holes designed for long lasting, accurate depth measurements...more  (0) Comments |
HBM Inclusive Software Package Excites Measurement Engineers |
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Product Showcase - Friday
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Wednesday, 16 May 2007 |
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HBM's catmanAP is an integrated software package for acquiring, visualizing, and analyzing measurement data that has several new modules to enhance the easy-to-use catmanEasy base module. EasyMath, EasyPlan, EasyLog, EasyScript, AutoSequence, and video analysis are all included in the software. EasyMath provides many mathematical functions for evaluating measurement data while EasyPlan simplifies the preparation of measurement tasks without having to connect an amplifier. EasyLog is used with the MGCplus amplifier system to automatically save measurement data to a Flash card or hard disk and EasyScript creates customized scripts for individual measurement tasks. Each of these new modules allows the software to be quickly and easily programmed for special solutions with customized functions....more (0) Comments |
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FISO Technologies Introduces Signal Conditioner Modules |
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Product Showcase - Friday
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Wednesday, 16 May 2007 |
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FISO Technologies, a subsidiary of Roctest Ltd, introduced a new generation of optical-fiber signal conditioner modules, combined with an EVOLUTION table-top platform with significantly enhanced performance and flexibility. The FPI-HR signal conditioner modules are designed in a unique configuration which makes them suitable for laboratory and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) applications. Each optical module is integrated inside a housing shell providing system protection and ease of integration for any OEM equipment. In addition, each module includes a RS-232 and a RS-485 communication port as well as analog outputs (0 to 5V or 4 to 20mA)....more (0) Comments |
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Emerson Introduces Rosemount E-Series Magnetic Flowmeters |
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Product Showcase - Friday
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Wednesday, 16 May 2007 |
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Emerson Process Management has announced the release of the Rosemount E-series magnetic flowmeters that include advancements in magnetic flowmeter technology. The E-series flowmeters deliver industry leading performance and improved reliability coupled with intelligent diagnostics that help users across a variety of industries take advantage of improved installation, maintenance and process management practices. With improved reference accuracy (± 0.25% ± 1 mm/s standard), the E-series platform provides the most accurate magnetic flowmeter available today.The patented 8714i Calibration Verification diagnostic in the E-Series allows users to verify calibration without shutting down the process or requiring complicated external equipment....more (0) Comments |
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