PVDF Wire Sensor for External Monitoring of Piping Sound Pressure Level

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.