CrackGuard: monitoring fatigue cracks in steel structures
Themes: Software technology & Intelligent Systems, Structural Engineering
Late prototype
A TRL is a measure to indicate the matureness of a developing technology. When an innovative idea is discovered it is often not directly suitable for application. Usually such novel idea is subjected to further experimentation, testing and prototyping before it can be implemented. The image below shows how to read TRL’s to categorise the innovative ideas.
Click to enlarge
Why?
Steel structures in the maritime, offshore and civil industry are continuously cyclically loaded, resulting in fatigue damage. Periodic visual inspection of fatigue cracks in large steel structures is very costly and often hazardous.
How?
The non-invasive, wireless, low-power CrackGuard system monitors cracks by measuring discontinuities in the magnetic field in the vicinity of the defect. It can be applied on any steel structure that suffers from fatigue damage.
When?
The system has been validated in experiments, simulations and as lab-prototype. A late prototype is being developed, potential customers / pilot test cases are sought.
Prof. dr. ir. Mirek Kaminski