On development of a multi-channel PZT array scanning system and its evaluating application on UAV wing box

Piezoelectric sensor (PZT) based structural health monitoring (SHM) methods can efficiently estimate the health condition of aircraft structures. To monitor large-scale structures, dense PZT arrays are usually needed. How to scan different PZT actuator–sensor channels in the PZT array to achieve a real time and stable SHM task is an important issue in the application of these methods. In this paper, an integrated multi-channel PZT array scanning system (ISS) is developed for the purpose of SHM. A type of gain programmable charge amplifier and a low crosstalk scanning module are discussed. An integrated software system which is based on the LabVIEW software platform is developed to manage the hardware, and perform signal processing and damage estimation. To validate the functions of this system, an evaluation is performed on a carbon fiber composite wing box of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The application results show the promising performance of this system.