Nanotechnology Project

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Inventories

Environment, Health and Safety Research

SST - Ferroelectric Thin-Film Active Sensor Arrays for Structural Health Monitoring

Project Information

Principal InvestigatorVictor Giurgiutiu
InstitutionUniversity South Carolina Research Foundation
Project URLView
Relevance to ImplicationsSome
Class of NanomaterialEngineered Nanomaterials
Impact SectorHuman Health
Broad Research Categories Characterization
NNI identifierA1-24

Funding Information

CountryUSA
Anticipated Total Funding$452,000.00
Annual Funding$150,666.67
Funding SourceNSF
Funding Mechanism
Funding Sector
Start Year2005
Anticipated End Year2008

Abstract/Summary

The project will use nano fabrication methods (such as pulsed laser deposition) and advanced nano investigative techniques (such as SEAM, SPM, TEM, EPMA, EDS, HR-SEM, AFM, XRD) to grow miniaturized thin-film active sensor arrays on typical structural materials for use in advanced structural health monitoring applications. Appropriate buffer interfaces to ensure durable adherence of the ferroelectric film to the structural material and coherent epitaxial growth will be developed. High-performance environmentally friendly ferroelectric compositions will be developed. Modeling and analysis will be used in developing the buffered interface, the nano-fabrication processing methods, and the Lamb/Rayleigh wave phased-array algorithms for structural health monitoring applications of these new devices. The highly interdisciplinary character of the proposal is covered by a sensors small team with members from the disciplines of material science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and physics, spanning over four universities (Louisiana State University, Pennsylvania State University, University of South Carolina, University of Texas at San Antonio), of which one is a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI): The project will employed analytical modeling, numerical simulation, and experimental validation. It will build on the preliminary results obtained by the individual investigators. In additional to technical activities, the project will address important sensors education and outreach activities.