Patent ID: 8694269
Filing Date: 2014-04-08
Classification: G01M,G01N,G01R

Abstract:
1. A method for monitoring a structure, the method comprising: sending, by a transmit mode of a transducer embedded in a material of the structure, an electronic signal into the material of the structure, wherein the electronic signal has a limited duration and a varying frequency, wherein the varying frequency varies In a manner to reduce an effect of ringing in the structure by varying over time and ending at a frequency that is at a distance from a resonance frequency of the structure to reduce one or more residual vibrations caused by the electronic signal in the material of the structure; receiving, by a sensor mode of the transducer, a plurality of reflections from the material of the electronic signal sent by the transmit mode of the transducer wherein the transducer switches from the transmit mode to the sensor mode after the electronic signal is sent by the transducer; and comparing the response to a baseline to form a comparison, wherein the comparison indicates a particular condition of the material.