A piezoelectric active sensing method for detection of bolt load loss

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a bolt loosening detection approach which integrates piezoelectric ceramics with active sensor technology.

Design/methodology/approach

When the ultrasonic wave propagates across the contact surface at the bolted joints, because of the existence of imperfect interface, only part of the ultrasonic wave energy is passed through it. According to the Hertz contact theory, the passed energy depends on the true contact area which is decided by the bolt pretension. Hence, by measuring the received energy with the sensing piezoelectric material, the bolt pretension or bolt loosening can be detected.

Findings

The experiment revealed that the wave energy propagated across the interface is strongly correlated to the torque level. This relationship will be a good indicator to detect the status of bolted joints. The presented method has a potential application for the monitoring of bolt load loss in-site. Moreover, some factors which will affect the propagation of ultrasonic wave across the bolted joints are discussed in this paper.

Originality/value

This paper provides a good criterion to detect bolt load loss.

Citation

Liu, S., Li, Y., Wang, T. and Luo, Y. (2014), "A piezoelectric active sensing method for detection of bolt load loss", Sensor Review, Vol. 34 No. 4, pp. 337-342. https://doi.org/10.1108/SR-04-2013-657