Voltage relations for debonding detection of piezoelectric sensors with segmented electrode

The piezoelectric patches in sheet form have two electrodes for obtaining an electric potential when these patches are being deformed. These patches may be used as sensors in different structures for measuring local displacements/deformations. This information can be used in some techniques of structural health monitoring. However, the application of these methods depends on the health of the piezoelectric sensor. This research shows a technique for sensor debonding monitoring, which consists of segmenting the electrode of the piezoelectric sensor in three parts. Voltage relations between the segmented electrodes show a linear behavior and these relations correspond to force relations in electrodes. The results show that if debonding occurs, the force relations in electrodes are influenced and the voltage relations change. The method showed in this work can be used to identify debonding of piezoelectric sensors.

► Mathematical model of a piezoelectric sensor with the segmented electrode.
► Theoretical model for detecting the debonding of piezoelectric sensors.
► Results of voltage relations between electrodes to detect the debonding.