PVDF Wire Sensor for External Monitoring of Piping Sound Pressure Level Navy STTR FY2010.A Sol No.: Navy STTR FY2010.A Topic No.: N10A-T016 Topic Title: PVDF Wire Sensor for External Monitoring of Piping Sound Pressure Level Proposal No.: N10A-016-0077 Firm: SMD Corporation 4821 Shippen Court Virginia Beach, Virginia 23455 Contact: Curtis Mitchell Phone: (407) 448-0744 Web Site: www.smdva.com Abstract: In this project we propose to demonstrate the feasibility of an external pipe sensor for measuring sound pressure levels in submarine piping systems. The sensor consists of flexible PVDF wire wrapped a number of integral turns around the pipe exterior. The charge/voltage output of the sensor can be shown to be directly proportional and highly sensitive to the amplitude of the contained fluid pulsation wave. Previous work by one of key team members of the proposal has both analytically and experimentally demonstrated the potential of PVDF wire sensors for measuring low level interior sound pressures in piping systems. These low level sound pressure induced motions are undetectable to the desired sensitivity and accuracy with traditional accelerometers. In Phase I, analytical simulation tools will be developed to model the fluid filled piping system and externally attached PVDF wire sensor. The model will be used to determine the optimum sensor arrangement, design sensitivity, accuracy and SNR. Finite Element models will investigate the influence of realistic piping characteristics on sensor performance. Optional tasks for constructing a basic piping test rig and preliminary testing of a PVDF wire sensor are also included. Benefits: Successful execution of this project will result in an immediate and widespread use of PVDF sensors for detection and measurement of interior pipe acoustic pressure levels for US commercial and general military industries. From the military perspective, the outcome will be an external PVDF wire sensor for accurately measuring the internal pressure in fluid filled piping systems in a cost effective, compact, robust configuration with minimal integration issues suitable for submarines and surface ships. Other commercial applications can also be realized in the nuclear power and aerospace industry where the PVDF sensor could be used for improved monitoring of critical piping and fuel delivery systems. A variety of commercial applications also exist in bio-medical engineering for monitoring human heart health, cranial brain pressure and aiding in the development of mechanical heart valves. Equipment manufacturers for compressors, pumping systems, and valve actuating devices interested in lowering radiant noise levels will also benefit from the new sensor product. Return