Experimental Analysis of Digital Data Communication in Intelligent Structures using Lamb Waves

Abstract

This paper presents the experimental proof of concept for spread spectrum digital data communication in intelligent structures using guided ultrasound waves (GW). We are able to show the feasibility of the CDMA-like communication scheme by means of the fundamental GW-modes that are propagating in an aluminum plate. The first goal is to use a simulation approach to study multibit propagation and to analyse the maximum data rates that can be achieved by the proposed communication link as a function of frequency. Secondly, we perform an experimental analysis in which we observe resonance phenomena of the piezoelectric transducer at specific frequencies which allow us to transmit data bits with much lower energy compared to data communication at other frequencies. The data communication concept presented here can be used in autonomous sensor nodes that support damage detection and data communication at the same time. This potentially will eliminate the need to use cable connections, e.g. to send damage indicators, which is often a main drawback of GW-technology in aircraft structures