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Article
Enhanced lumped circuit model for smart nanocomposite cement-based sensors under dynamic compressive loading conditions
Sensors and Actuators A: Physical
  • Enrique García-Macías, University of Seville
  • Austin Downey, Iowa State University
  • Antonella D’Alessandro, University of Perugia
  • Rafael Castro-Triguero, University of Cordoba
  • Simon Laflamme, Iowa State University
  • Filippo Ubertini, University of Perugia
Document Type
Article
Publication Version
Submitted Manuscript
Publication Date
6-1-2017
DOI
10.1016/j.sna.2017.04.004
Abstract

Smart composite nanostructured materials represent one of the fastest-growing areas of interest among scientists in recent years and, in particular, carbon nanotube (CNT) cement-based composites are attracting more and more attention. These composites exhibit self-sensing capabilities providing measurable variations of their electrical properties under the application of mechanical deformations. Together with this exceptional property, the similarity and compatibility between these composites and structural concrete suggest the possibility of developing distributed embedded strain-sensing systems with substantial improvements in the cost-effectiveness in applications to large-scale concrete structures. In order to design and optimize CNT reinforced cement based dynamic sensors, it is fundamental to develop theoretical models capable of simulating the relationship between dynamic mechanical strains and the effective electrical conductivity. This paper presents an electromechanical modeling of the Direct Current (DC) electrical resistance of CNT reinforced cement paste sensors based on a piezoelectric/piezoresistive lumped circuit. The model represents an enhanced version and a generalization of another model previously proposed by the authors. Previously published experimental results have been used as validation benchmark. In particular, experimental tests concerning the characterization of the step response under unloaded conditions, steady state response under harmonic loadings and sweep analyses are considered. The results demonstrate that the newly proposed model is superior in comparison to the previous one in reproducing the dynamic response of the sensors when subjected to harmonic mechanical loads. Overall, an excellent agreement between theoretical predictions and experimental results is achieved.

Comments

This is a manuscript of an article published as García-Macías, Enrique, Austin Downey, Antonella D’Alessandro, Rafael Castro-Triguero, Simon Laflamme, and Filippo Ubertini. "Enhanced lumped circuit model for smart nanocomposite cement-based sensors under dynamic compressive loading conditions." Sensors and Actuators A: Physical 260 (2017): 45-57. DOI: 10.1016/j.sna.2017.04.004. Posted with permission.

Copyright Owner
Elsevier B.V.
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Citation Information
Enrique García-Macías, Austin Downey, Antonella D’Alessandro, Rafael Castro-Triguero, et al.. "Enhanced lumped circuit model for smart nanocomposite cement-based sensors under dynamic compressive loading conditions" Sensors and Actuators A: Physical Vol. 260 (2017) p. 45 - 57
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/simon_laflamme/56/