Acoustic Electric Feedthrough Demonstrator Mk-I.
Scientific Publication
- Report Number:
- DSTO-TR-2296
- Authors:
- Moss, S.; Konak, M.; Phoumsavanh, C.; Tsoi, K.; Powlesland, I.
- Issue Date:
- 2009-06
- AR Number:
- AR-014-549
- Classification:
- Unclassified
- Report Type:
- Technical Report
- Division:
- Air Vehicles Division (AVD)
- Release Authority:
- Chief, Air Vehicles Division
- Task Sponsor:
- DGTA
- Task Number:
- AIR 07/053
- File Number:
- 2008/1081918
- Pages:
- 24
- References:
- 24
- Terms:
- Smart structures; Smart materials; Piezolectric materials; Power engineering; Communications engineering
- URI:
- http://hdl.handle.net/1947/9993
Abstract
This report outlines the development and characterization of the DSTO Acoustic Electric Feedthrough (AEF) Laboratory Demonstrator Mk-I, which passes power ultrasonically through a 5 mm thick aluminium plate. The AEF approach is being explored as a potential means of wirelessly powering in situ structural health monitoring systems embedded within aircraft and other high value assets. The demonstrator's assembly and subsequent characterisation is discussed, and compared with performance predictions made using numerical modelling. Improvements are suggested which will be implemented in the proposed AEF Demonstrator Mk-II, a system capable of passing both power and communications ultrasonically through a metal plate.
Executive Summary
This report has examined the modelling, characterization and manufacture of an Acoustic Electric Feedthrough (AEF) Laboratory Demonstrator Mk-I with the aim of developing a system capable of passing power and communications through the aluminium skin of an aircraft using ultrasound. An AEF arrangement operates via two piezoelectric elements, located collinearly on opposite sides of a metal plate. One piezoelectric element is excited at its thickness mode anti-resonant frequency which then generates ultrasound which passes through the metal plate, and is received by a second element located on the opposite side of the plate. A numerical model of the AEF demonstrator was developed and used to characterize the behaviour of the system; predictions from the numerical model were confirmed by experiment. Real power transfer efficiency was found to be 30% for the demonstrator. In particular the AEF power loss mechanisms were explored, and the major losses were heat generation due to viscous loss in the piezoelectric elements. An AEF Laboratory Demonstrator Mk-II that can transmit power (at the measured power transfer efficiency) and two-way communications is proposed.