Relaxation modulus sensor, structure incorporating same, and method for use of same
First Claim
1. A sensor for measuring relaxation modulus in a test material, comprising:
- a frame having an opening therethrough embedded in the test material;
a driver mounted within the opening of the frame embedded in the test material, the driver comprising one of an electric motor, an electric solenoid, a hydraulic solenoid, a hydraulic cylinder, and a gas operated cylinder;
a first sensing device in communication with the driver; and
a second sensing device disposed within a gap between the driver and the frame embedded in the test material.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A sensor for measuring material properties such as the relaxation modulus of a material in situ and a method of measuring material properties of a material are disclosed. The sensor may be substantially embedded in the material, and includes a deformable driver. When actuated, the deformable driver may create a stress in the adjacent material. The movement or deformation of the driver may be measured with a sensing device, for example a strain gage mounted on a surface thereof. The stress in the adjacent material may be measured with a second sensing device, for example a pressure sensor. The measured movement and stress over a predetermined period of time may he used to determine the relaxation modulus of the material.
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Citations
27 Claims
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1. A sensor for measuring relaxation modulus in a test material, comprising:
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a frame having an opening therethrough embedded in the test material; a driver mounted within the opening of the frame embedded in the test material, the driver comprising one of an electric motor, an electric solenoid, a hydraulic solenoid, a hydraulic cylinder, and a gas operated cylinder; a first sensing device in communication with the driver; and a second sensing device disposed within a gap between the driver and the frame embedded in the test material. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A sensor for measuring relaxation modulus in a test material, comprising:
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a frame having an opening therethrough; a driver mounted within the opening of the frame, wherein the driver comprises a smart material; a first sensing device in communication with the driver; and a second sensing device disposed within a gap between the driver and the frame. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9)
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10. A sensor for measuring relaxation modulus in a test material, comprising:
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a frame having an opening therethrough; a driver mounted within the opening of the frame, the driver comprising a plurality of twisted shape metal alloy wires; a first sensing device in communication with the driver; and a second sensing device disposed within a gap between the driver and the frame.
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11. A sensor for measuring relaxation modulus in a test material, comprising:
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a frame having an opening therethrough; a driver mounted within the opening of the frame, the driver comprising one of an electric motor, an electric solenoid, a hydraulic solenoid, a hydraulic cylinder, and a gas operated cylinder; a first sensing device in communication with the driver; and a second sensing device disposed within a gap between the driver and the frame, the second sensing device comprising a pressure sensor. - View Dependent Claims (12)
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13. A method for measuring relaxation modulus in a test material comprising:
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providing a sensor comprising at least one driver including a movable element; embedding the sensor in the test material; actuating the at least one driver including the movable element with as a stimulus to create a stress in the test material, wherein creating the stress in the material comprises applying a force in one of tension, compression, torsion, and a combination thereof to the test material; and sensing the stress in the test material. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for measuring relaxation modulus in a test material comprising:
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providing a sensor comprising at least one deformable driver; embedding the sensor in the test material; actuating the at least one deformable driver with a stimulus to create a stress in the test material, wherein creating the stress in the test material comprises applying a force in one of tension, compression and torsion to the test material; and sensing the stress in the test material. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A sensor for measuring relaxation modulus in a test material, comprising:
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a frame having an opening therethrough; a driver located in the frame comprising a movable element embedded in the test material for deforming the test material, the driver comprising one of an electric motor, an electric solenoid, a hydraulic solenoid, a hydraulic cylinder, a gas operated cylinder, and a plurality of twisted shape metal alloy wires; a first sensing device in communication with the test material embedded in the test material; and a second sensing device embedded in the test material. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26)
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27. A rocket motor, comprising:
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a propellant; a liner at least partially surrounding the propellant; and a sensor substantially embedded in the liner, the sensor comprising; a frame having an opening therethrough; a driver mounted within the opening of the frame; a first sensing device in communication with the driver; and a second sensing device disposed within a gap formed between the driver and the frame.
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Specification