PVDF Wire Sensor for External Monitoring of Piping Sound Pressure Level

The Phase II base period of this project will focus on developing a hardened version of an externally mounted PVDF wire sensor measurement system and experimentally demonstrating and validating its use for determining internal pressure levels for realistic piping systems. A closed circuit piping test rig will be designed and fabricated at Virginia Tech using typical piping components including a pump, valves, bends, flanges, tees, gaskets, accumulators, and hangers. Multiple sources to create fluid-borne and structure-borne sound energy will be included. Enhanced structural pipe excitation will be accomplished using externally mounted shakers. Omnidirectional sound sources will also be utilized to widen the frequency range. Finite Element modeling of piping components will be used as needed to support the design and development of improved PVDF pressure sensor systems. A hardened PVDF sensor and associated electronics will be constructed. Phase II Option I will focus on developing performance estimates of the PVDF sensor and designing and building prototype installation and calibration tools. Phase II Option II extends the work plan and focuses on pre-commercialization activities for a production-level PVDF sensor, installation, and calibration tools. In Phase III, full product manufacturing, validation and distribution will be provided to both government and industry.