Patent Description:
There is a case where a pipe constituting a piping network for transporting a resource such as water, petroleum, or gas is used beyond a service life. Therefore, problems such as leakage of fluid due to deterioration of a pipe, and rapture accident of a pipe are caused. In order to prevent these problems, a method of inspecting or estimating strength of a pipe is developed.

PTL <NUM> describes a buried-pipe inspection method of inspecting, with high accuracy, a degree of deterioration of a buried pipe such as a buried pipe and a ceramic pipe forming a sewer pipeline, an agricultural water pipeline, and the like, by performing an impact elastic wave test.

Further state of the art pipe structural health monitoring systems based on vibration monitoring are known from <CIT> and <CIT>. <CIT> further discloses a model data calculating means for calculating theoretical values of vibration propagation velocities corresponding to measured values of the plurality of vibration frequencies, which model comprises the Young's modulus as parameter.

The inspection method of a buried pipe described in PTL <NUM> is a method in which a deterioration state of a buried pipe is inspected from an inside of the pipe. However, in a pipe (hereinafter, referred to as a "water-filled pipe") like a water supply pipe in which the inside of the pipe is filled with a fluid such as water, it is not easy to inspect a deterioration state from the inside of the pipe.

The present invention is made for solving the above-described problem, and a main object of the present invention is to provide an estimating device and the like that are capable of easily estimating strength of a water-filled pipe.

An estimating device according to one aspect of the present invention is defined in independent claim <NUM>.

An estimating method according to one aspect of the present invention is defined in independent claim <NUM>.

A program according to one aspect of the present invention is defined in independent claim <NUM>.

According to the present invention, an estimating device and the like that are able to estimate strength of a water-filled pipe with ease can be provided.

Each example embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, a first example embodiment of the present invention is described. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an estimating device according to the first example embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in <FIG>, an estimating device <NUM> according to the first example embodiment of the present invention includes a frequency response calculating unit <NUM>, a pipe rigidity variable estimating unit <NUM>, and a strength estimating unit <NUM>. The frequency response calculating unit <NUM> calculates, based on an excitation force when a pipe is excited and a vibration response propagating through the pipe, a frequency response function of the pipe. The pipe rigidity variable estimating unit <NUM> estimates, based on a frequency response function model representing a frequency response of the pipe, and the calculated frequency response function, a parameter relating to rigidity of the pipe. The strength estimating unit <NUM> estimates, based on a relation between the estimated parameter and strength of the pipe, strength of the pipe.

One example of a case in which strength of a pipe is estimated by using the estimating device <NUM> is described with reference to <FIG> is an example of a case in which strength of a pipe <NUM> being a part of a water-supply network is estimated. Specifically, in the example illustrated in <FIG>, the estimating device <NUM> estimates strength of the pipe <NUM>. Note that, in the following example embodiment, a case in which the estimating device <NUM> estimates strength of a pipe configuring a water pipe is described as an example. Further, the pipe <NUM> is assumed to be the water-filled pipe described above. Specifically, a case in which the inside of the pipe <NUM> is filled with water by applying pressure to the water, or the water flowing into the pipe due to gravity is assumed. A main target of strength estimation by the estimating device <NUM> is a water-filled pipe.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the pipe <NUM> is buried underground. Specifically, in the example illustrated in <FIG>, the pipe <NUM> is assumed to be disposed in such a way that visual observation and contact of the pipe <NUM> is difficult in a normal condition. Further, accessories <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> are installed on the pipe <NUM>. Each of the accessories <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> is, for example, a fire hydrant, an air valve, or a gate valve, but may be another equipment attached to the pipe. Each of the accessories <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> is installed in a manhole. Specifically, in the example illustrated in <FIG>, each of the accessories <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> is assumed to be disposed at a position where a contact can be made in a normal condition.

As illustrated in <FIG>, an instrument for acquiring data required when strength of the pipe <NUM> is estimated by the estimating device <NUM> is installed on each of the accessories <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>.

An exciter <NUM> is installed on the accessory <NUM>-<NUM>. The exciter <NUM> excites, for example, the accessory <NUM>-<NUM>. With the excitation by the exciter <NUM>, an elastic wave is excited in the fluid such as water filled inside the pipe <NUM>. The elastic wave is also excited in the pipe <NUM>.

As the exciter <NUM>, a mechanism that is capable of exciting a vibration of a broad bandwidth is desirably used. As the exciter <NUM>, for example, an impulse hammer, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or a water-releasing pressure-variation generator is used, but another mechanism may be used as the exciter <NUM>.

Further, the exciter <NUM> records an excitation force, which is magnitude of force when the accessory <NUM>-<NUM> is excited. Excitation force data, which are data recording the excitation force, are sent to, for example, the frequency response calculating unit <NUM> of the estimating device <NUM> via a wired or wireless communication network or another mechanism for data transmission.

A measuring instrument <NUM> is installed on the accessory <NUM>-<NUM>. The measuring instrument <NUM> measures an elastic wave propagating through the fluid such as water inside the pipe <NUM> and the pipe <NUM>. The measuring instrument <NUM> mainly measures an elastic wave generated by excitation by the exciter <NUM> and propagating through the fluid such as water inside the pipe <NUM> and the pipe <NUM>.

As the measuring instrument <NUM>, a sensor for measuring a vibration of a solid body is used. Examples of the measuring instrument <NUM> include a piezoelectric type acceleration sensor, a capacitive type acceleration sensor, an optical velocity sensor, a dynamic strain sensor, an eddy-current displacement sensor, a dial gauge, a digital image correlation measuring device, an optical fiber type strain gauge, a contact type displacement sensor, and a speckle light interferometer. However, another instrument may be used as the measuring instrument <NUM>.

A measurement result by the measuring instrument <NUM> is sent to, for example, the frequency response calculating unit <NUM> of the estimating device <NUM> via a wired or wireless communication network or another mechanism for data transmission. With a time point at which the exciter <NUM> performs excitation as a reference, the measuring instrument <NUM> may send a result of a measurement performed for a time period from before to after the time point to each component of the estimating device <NUM>. In the case described above, a length of the time period from before to after the reference time point at which the exciter <NUM> performs the excitation may be determined according to a time required for an elastic wave generated by the excitation to the accessory <NUM>-<NUM> by the exciter <NUM> to propagate to the measuring instrument <NUM>.

Note that, as described above, the pipe <NUM> is assumed to be buried underground, and visual observation and contact of the pipe <NUM> is assumed to be difficult. Therefore, the exciter <NUM> and the measuring instrument <NUM> are exemplified in such a way as to be attached to the accessories <NUM>. However, when it is possible to make contact with the pipe <NUM>, each of the exciter <NUM> and the measuring instrument <NUM> may be directly installed on, for example, the pipe <NUM>.

Further, in the example illustrated in <FIG>, the pipe rigidity variable estimating unit <NUM> of the estimating device <NUM> is connected to an accessory information storing unit <NUM>. Specifically, when estimating a parameter that relates to rigidity of a pipe, the pipe rigidity variable estimating unit <NUM> may use information stored in the accessory information storing unit <NUM> as necessary.

Similarly, in the example illustrated in <FIG>, the strength estimating unit <NUM> of the estimating device <NUM> is connected to a strength information storing unit <NUM>. Specifically, when estimating strength of a pipe, the strength estimating unit <NUM> may use information stored in the strength information storing unit <NUM> as necessary.

Next, each component of the estimating device <NUM> according to the present example embodiment is described. Note that, in each example embodiment of the present invention, each component of the estimating device <NUM> represents a block of a function unit. Some or all of each component of each device is achieved by, for example, any combination of an information processing device <NUM> and a program, such as illustrated in <FIG>. The information processing device <NUM> includes, as one example, a configuration as follows.

Each component of each device according to each example embodiment is achieved by the CPU <NUM> acquiring and executing the program <NUM> achieving a function of each component. The program <NUM> achieving a function of each component of each device is, for example, previously stored in the storing device <NUM> or the RAM <NUM>, and read out by the CPU <NUM> as necessary. Note that, the program <NUM> may be provided to the CPU <NUM> via the communication network <NUM>, or may be previously stored in the recording medium <NUM>, read out by the drive device <NUM>, and thereby provided to the CPU <NUM>.

There are various modification examples of a method of achieving each device. For example, each device may be achieved by any combination of the information processing device <NUM> that is separated for each component and a program. Further, a plurality of components included in each device may be achieved by any combination of one information processing device <NUM> and a program.

Some or all of each component of each device is achieved by a dedicated or general-purpose circuit including a processor and the like, or a combination thereof. The dedicated or general-purpose circuit may be configured by a single chip, or may be configured by a plurality of chips connected to each other via a bus. Some or all of each component of each device may be achieved by a combination of the above-described circuit and the like and a program.

When some or all of each component of each device is achieved by a plurality of information processing devices and circuits and the like, the plurality of information processing devices and circuits and the like may be concentratedly or distributedly disposed. For example, the information processing devices and circuits and the like may be achieved as a form, such as a client-and-sever system and a cloud computing system, in which each of the information processing devices and circuits and the like is connected via a communication network.

Among the components of the estimating device <NUM>, the frequency response calculating unit <NUM> is described first. The frequency response calculating unit <NUM> calculates, based on an excitation force when a pipe is excited and a vibration response propagating through the pipe, a frequency response function of the pipe. The frequency response function of the pipe is a function expressed in a frequency domain as a ratio of magnitude of the vibration response to the excitation force applied to the pipe.

The excitation force indicates, in a case where a pipe is excited, a temporal change in magnitude of force applied to the pipe. As one example, the excitation force indicates a temporal change in magnitude of force applied to the pipe <NUM> by the exciter <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the excitation force is assumed to be recorded at a time of excitation performed by the exciter <NUM>. Excitation force data indicating the recorded excitation force are sent to the frequency response calculating unit <NUM> via a wired or wireless communication network or another means, as appropriate.

The vibration response is a response of the pipe or the fluid such as water inside the pipe to the excitation performed by the exciter <NUM>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the vibration response is acquired by the measuring instrument <NUM> measuring a temporal change of the elastic wave, which is generated by the excitation by the exciter <NUM> and propagating through the fluid such as water inside the pipe <NUM> and the pipe <NUM>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, measured data indicating the vibration response measured by the measuring instrument <NUM> are sent to the frequency response calculating unit <NUM> via a wired or wireless communication network or another means, as appropriate.

The frequency response calculating unit <NUM> acquires, according to the claimed invention, a frequency response function of the pipe as follows. First, let excitation force data be f(t), and response data be x(t). Further, let functions in a frequency domain into which f(t) and x(t) are Fourier transformed be F(ω) and X(ω), respectively. The frequency response calculating unit <NUM> acquires F(ω) and X(ω) with respect to f(t) and x(t), respectively. ω represents an angular frequency.

Then, the frequency response calculating unit <NUM> acquires, by using the following expression (<NUM>), a frequency response function Hexp(ω).

Note that, the frequency response calculating unit <NUM> may perform processing for improving a signal-to-noise ratio, as necessary. For example, the frequency response calculating unit <NUM> may perform averaging processing for acquiring an average value of frequency response functions acquired by a plurality of times of excitation and measurement of a response.

The pipe rigidity variable estimating unit <NUM> estimates a parameter relating to rigidity of the pipe, on the basis of the frequency response function model representing the frequency response of the pipe, and the frequency response function. As the frequency response function, Hexp(ω) acquired by the frequency response calculating unit <NUM> is used.

In the pipe rigidity variable estimating unit <NUM>, an expression of the frequency response function model is determined in advance, according to a characteristic of the pipe being a target and Hexp(ω) acquired by the frequency response calculating unit <NUM>. A frequency response function model specifically representing a frequency response of a pipe being a target is acquired by approximating an expression of the frequency response function model to a frequency response function that is actually measured. Therefore, the parameter relating to the rigidity of the pipe is acquired by approximating the frequency response function model to the frequency response function.

The pipe rigidity variable estimating unit <NUM> estimates the parameter relating to the rigidity of the pipe by acquiring such a parameter that the expression of the frequency response function model approximates the frequency response function Hexp(ω) acquired by the frequency response calculating unit <NUM>.

Prior to a description of the parameter acquired by the pipe rigidity variable estimating unit <NUM>, the expression of the frequency response function model used in the pipe rigidity variable estimating unit <NUM> is described. In the following description, the pipe is assumed to be a water-filled pipe whose inside is filled with water.

First, when it is assumed that a weight is applied from both sides of the pipe as illustrated in <FIG>, displacement w in a radius-direction of the pipe, which is generated when a weight P is applied from both sides of the pipe, is expressed as the following expression (<NUM>).

In the expression (<NUM>), R is a radius of the pipe, E is an elasticity modulus of the pipe, I is a second moment of area of the pipe, and θ is an angle of a position at which the displacement w is considered with respect to a reference direction. In the expression (<NUM>), one of the directions perpendicular to a direction in which the weight is applied is assumed to be the above-described reference direction, and θ is determined thereby.

Then, a pipe rigidity, which is the rigidity of the pipe, is defined by transforming the expression (<NUM>) and expressing the expression (<NUM>) in a form of the Hooke's law. Specifically, a pipe rigidity K is expressed as the following expression (<NUM>).

In the expressions (<NUM>) and (<NUM>), when a wall thickness of the pipe is assumed to be t, and a unit length of the pipe is assumed to be L, the second moment of area I is expressed as I=Lt<NUM>/<NUM>. Specifically, the pipe rigidity K is determined by the elasticity modulus E of the pipe, the wall thickness t, and the radius R of the pipe. Among those variables, the radius R of the pipe can be generally known from a drawing and the like of the pipe. Further, the elasticity modulus E and the wall thickness t of the pipe may change with deterioration of the pipe. Thus, in the present example embodiment, the pipe rigidity variable estimating unit <NUM> estimates, as one example of the parameter relating to the rigidity of the pipe, either one or both of the elasticity modulus E of the pipe or/and a value of the wall thickness t of the pipe. The parameter acquired by the pipe rigidity variable estimating unit <NUM> may be appropriately determined according to a relation and the like used in the strength estimating unit <NUM> to be described later.

The expression of the frequency response function model is expressed as H(ω|θM, θF), as a function of an angular frequency ω, a pipe rigidity variable θM, and an accessory parameter θF. The pipe rigidity variable θM is a parameter relating to the rigidity of the pipe, and is defined as θM=[E, t, R]. The accessory parameter θF is a parameter relating to a structure of an accessory such as the accessories <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, and is defined as θF=[m, k, c]. E, t, and R included in the pipe rigidity variable θM indicate, as described above, the elasticity modulus, the wall thickness of the pipe, and the radius of the pipe, respectively. The radius R is acquired from a drawing of the pipe, a description of configuration information of the pipe, and the like. The elasticity modulus E and the wall thickness t are estimated by the pipe rigidity variable estimating unit <NUM>. Regarding the accessory parameter θF, m, k, and c respectively indicate an equivalent mass, an equivalent rigidity, and an equivalent damping coefficient when the accessory is modeled. Each parameter included in the accessory parameter θ F is previously determined according to actual values of the accessories <NUM> to which the exciter <NUM> and the measuring instrument <NUM> are attached. Those values are acquired from, for example, a drawing of the pipe or a description of configuration information of the pipe, a result of an actual measurement, and the like.

A frequency response function model with respect to an example illustrated in <FIG>, in which a spring, a mass, and a damper are connected to a ring is assumed. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, a ring unit corresponds to the pipe <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, and accessories correspond to the accessories <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. The expression H(ω|θM, θF) of the frequency response function model with respect to the example is expressed by the following expressions (<NUM>) and (<NUM>). <MAT><MAT>.

In the expression (<NUM>), M, K, and C respectively indicate an equivalent mass, an equivalent rigidity, and an equivalent damping coefficient when the ring unit illustrated in <FIG> is represented by a simple model of the mass, the spring, and the damper.

Note that, the expression H(ω|θM, θF) of the frequency response function model expressed by the expressions (<NUM>) and (<NUM>) is assumed in a case in which the exciter <NUM> and the measuring instrument <NUM> are attached to the accessories. However, as described above, a position to which the exciter <NUM> or the measuring instrument <NUM> is attached is not limited thereto, and in such a case, for example, each accessory parameter θF may be set to an appropriate value.

The pipe rigidity variable estimating unit <NUM> acquires an estimated value of the pipe rigidity variable by approximating the expression H(ω|θM, θF) of the frequency response function model to the frequency response function Hexp(ω) acquired by the frequency response calculating unit <NUM>. Specifically, the pipe rigidity variable estimating unit <NUM> acquires the estimated value of the pipe rigidity variable by approximating H(ω|θM, θF) to Hexp(ω) in such a way that a difference between H(ω|θM, θF) and Hexp(ω) is within a predetermined range. The pipe rigidity variable estimating unit <NUM> acquires the estimated value of the pipe rigidity variable by using the following expression (<NUM>), for example.

Hereinafter, a left-side value of the expression (<NUM>) is referred to as "the estimated value of the pipe rigidity variable". In the expression (<NUM>), argmin indicates a set of arguments that minimizes the function given in the brackets. Specifically, the pipe rigidity variable estimating unit <NUM> acquires the estimated value of the pipe rigidity variable in such a way that a sum of squares of an absolute value of the difference between H(ω|θM, θF) and Hexp(ω) is minimized.

The pipe rigidity variable estimating unit <NUM> acquires the estimated value of the pipe rigidity variable by using, for example, a nonlinear optimization method such as a Levenberg-Marquardt method.

The strength estimating unit <NUM> estimates strength of the pipe, on the basis of a relation between the parameter estimated by the pipe rigidity variable estimating unit <NUM> and the strength of the pipe. The strength estimating unit <NUM> estimates, mainly as the strength of the pipe, tensile strength of the pipe. The tensile strength of the pipe may change with deterioration of the pipe. Specifically, a degree of deterioration of the pipe is estimated by acquiring the tensile strength of the pipe.

The strength estimating unit <NUM> estimates the strength of the pipe by using, for example, a relation, as illustrated in <FIG>, between any one parameter relating to rigidity of the pipe and strength of the pipe, or a strength estimation equation generated from the relation illustrated in <FIG> is an example illustrating a relation between an elasticity modulus, which is one of parameters relating to the rigidity of the pipe, and strength of the pipe. Specifically, the strength estimating unit <NUM> estimates the strength of the pipe according to the parameter by applying some or all of the parameters estimated by the pipe rigidity variable estimating unit <NUM> to the above-described relation.

The relation illustrated in <FIG> is acquired by, as one example, previously conducting an actual measurement by using a sample pipe. However, as the relation, a relation acquired by another means may be used. Further, the relation between the parameter relating to the rigidity of the pipe and the strength of the pipe is, for example, previously stored in the strength information storing unit <NUM>. The strength estimating unit <NUM> refers to, as one of operation examples, being previously stored in the strength information storing unit <NUM>, as appropriate, and estimates the strength of the pipe. Further, when a relation between any one of the parameters estimated by the pipe rigidity variable estimating unit <NUM> and strength of the pipe is acquired similarly to the relation and a relational expression illustrated in <FIG>, strength other than tensile strength may be acquired by the strength estimating unit <NUM>. In this case, the strength estimating unit <NUM> acquires, for example, bending strength, compression strength, or yield stress.

The tensile strength, which is one of the strengths acquired by the strength estimating unit <NUM>, is related to deterioration of the pipe. Specifically, the tensile strength indicates a degree of deterioration of the pipe. Therefore, the degree of deterioration of the pipe can be estimated by estimating the tensile strength.

Next, an operation of the estimating device <NUM> according to the present example embodiment is described with reference to the flowchart illustrated in <FIG>.

First, excitation of the pipe, and measurement of a vibration response of the pipe and the fluid inside the pipe to the excitation are performed (Step S101).

In the configuration example illustrated in <FIG>, the exciter <NUM> excites the accessory <NUM>-<NUM>. Thereby, an elastic wave is excited in a fluid inside the pipe <NUM>, and the pipe <NUM>. Further, the measuring instrument <NUM> measures, via the accessory <NUM>-<NUM>, vibration including the elastic wave generated by the excitation by the exciter <NUM>. Thereby, data representing an excitation force and a vibration response are acquired. The data representing the excitation force and the vibration response acquired in Step S101 are sent to the frequency response calculating unit <NUM> via a communication network or another means.

Next, the frequency response calculating unit <NUM> acquires a frequency response function of the pipe, on the basis of the excitation force and the vibration response acquired in Step S101, (Step S102).

Next, the pipe rigidity variable estimating unit <NUM> estimates a parameter, on the basis of the frequency response function model in which a frequency response of the pipe is modeled and the frequency response function of the pipe acquired in Step S102 (Step S103). As described above, the pipe rigidity variable estimating unit <NUM> estimates, as one example, the elasticity modulus E and the wall thickness t of the pipe, which are values each included in the pipe rigidity variable θM.

Next, the strength estimating unit <NUM> estimates strength of the pipe, on the basis of the parameter relating to rigidity of the pipe acquired in Step S103, and a relation between the parameter and the strength of the pipe (Step S104). As the relation between the parameter and the strength of the pipe, a relation stored in the strength information storing unit <NUM> is used. Further, as described above, tensile strength of the pipe is estimated as the strength of the pipe. The acquired strength of the pipe is output via any means including a display and a communication network, as appropriate.

As described above, the estimating device <NUM> according to the present example embodiment estimates the parameter relating to the rigidity of the pipe, on the basis of the frequency response function model representing the frequency response of the pipe, and the frequency response function calculated on the basis of an actually measured value. Then, the estimating device <NUM> according to the present example embodiment estimates the strength of the pipe including the tensile strength, on the basis of the relation between the estimated parameter and the strength of the pipe.

The estimating device <NUM> is further described in comparison with the method described in PTL <NUM>, by using a more detailed example. <FIG> is a measurement example of a response time waveform measured in a water-filled pipe filled with water inside the pipe. The response time waveform illustrated in <FIG> is one of actual examples of response data. Further, <FIG> is a response spectrum with respect to the response time waveform illustrated in <FIG>. The response time waveform and its response spectrum illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> are examples of a case where a measurement is performed when a distance between the accessory on which the exciter <NUM> is installed and the accessory on which the measuring instrument <NUM> is installed is about <NUM> (meters).

Referring to <FIG>, a resonance peak, which is a frequency component at which acceleration increases, appears in a domain of approximately <NUM> (Hertz) or less. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the resonance peak is single. As in this example, generally, in a buried water-filled pipe such as a water pipe, an interval at which accessories are installed is often several tens of meters or more. Therefore, a high frequency component of an elastic wave excited by the exciter <NUM> and propagating through a fluid inside the pipe and the pipe is attenuated before being measured by the measuring instrument <NUM>. As a result, in the response spectrum with respect to the response data measured in the measuring instrument <NUM>, frequency of the resonance peak may be <NUM> or less.

On the other hand, in the method described in PTL <NUM>, an interval between a striking unit and a vibration receiving unit is assumed to be about several meters at most. Further, in the method described in PTL <NUM>, a frequency domain of <NUM> (kilohertz) to <NUM> is assumed to be an entire frequency domain, and a frequency domain of <NUM> to <NUM> is assumed to be a high frequency domain. Then, strength of a pipe is estimated on the basis of an area ratio of the high frequency domain to the entire frequency domain.

However, it may be difficult to dispose the striking unit and the vibration receiving unit on a buried water-filled pipe at the interval assumed in PTL <NUM>. Further, as described in <FIG> and <FIG>, in a vibration response measured in the buried water-filled pipe, an elastic wave in a frequency domain corresponding to the high frequency domain in PTL <NUM> is attenuated. Specifically, it may not be necessarily easy to apply the method described in PTL <NUM> to a buried water-filled pipe.

On the other hand, in the estimating device <NUM> according to the present example embodiment, the pipe rigidity variable θM described above is acquired by using the frequency response function model according to a generation mechanism of a resonance peak in the response spectrum with respect to the response data. Specifically, in the estimating device <NUM> according to the present example embodiment, a parameter relating to the rigidity of the pipe is acquired by using an appropriate frequency response function model. Since the parameter relating to the rigidity of the pipe is acquired, strength of the pipe such as tensile strength is estimated in the estimating device <NUM>. Specifically, the estimating device <NUM> according to the present example embodiment can estimate the strength of the water-filled pipe with ease.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, the invention is not limited to these embodiments. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. Further, a configuration according to each example embodiment may be combined with each other without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claim 1:
An estimating device comprising:
frequency response calculating means (<NUM>) for calculating, based on an excitation force when a pipe is excited and a vibration response, a frequency response function of the pipe, by Fourier transforming the excitation force and the vibration response, the vibration response being acquired by measuring an elastic wave propagating through the pipe by the excitation force;
pipe rigidity variable estimating means (<NUM>) for acquiring, based on i) the calculated frequency response function, and ii) a frequency response function model representing a frequency response of the pipe and being expressed as a function of a rigidity variable of the pipe, an estimated value of the rigidity variable, the rigidity variable being a parameter relating to rigidity of the pipe; and
strength estimating means (<NUM>) for estimating, based on a relation between the estimated value of the rigidity variable and strength of the pipe, the strength of the pipe,
wherein the pipe rigidity variable estimating means (<NUM>) is configured to acquire the estimated value of the rigidity variable by approximating the frequency response function model to the frequency response function.