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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1947/9993

Title: Acoustic Electric Feedthrough Demonstrator Mk-I.
Report number: DSTO-TR-2296
AR number: AR-014-549
Classification: Unclassified
Report type: Technical Report
Authors: Moss, S.
Konak, M.
Phoumsavanh, C.
Tsoi, K.
Powlesland, I.
Issue Date: 2009-06
Division: Air Vehicles Division
Abbreviation: AVD
Release authority: Chief, Air Vehicles Division
Task sponsor: DGTA
Task number: AIR 07/053
File number: 2008/1081918
Pages or format: 24
References: 24
DSTORL/DEFTEST terms: Smart structures
Smart materials
Piezolectric materials
Power engineering
Communications engineering
Abstract: This report outlines the development and characterization of the DSTO Acoustic Electric Feedthrough (AEF) Laboratory Demonstrator Mk-I, which passes power ultrasonically through a 5 mm thick aluminium plate. The AEF approach is being explored as a potential means of wirelessly powering in situ structural health monitoring systems embedded within aircraft and other high value assets. The demonstrator's assembly and subsequent characterisation is discussed, and compared with performance predictions made using numerical modelling. Improvements are suggested which will be implemented in the proposed AEF Demonstrator Mk-II, a system capable of passing both power and communications ultrasonically through a metal plate.
Executive summary: This report has examined the modelling, characterization and manufacture of an Acoustic Electric Feedthrough (AEF) Laboratory Demonstrator Mk-I with the aim of developing a system capable of passing power and communications through the aluminium skin of an aircraft using ultrasound. An AEF arrangement operates via two piezoelectric elements, located collinearly on opposite sides of a metal plate. One piezoelectric element is excited at its thickness mode anti-resonant frequency which then generates ultrasound which passes through the metal plate, and is received by a second element located on the opposite side of the plate. A numerical model of the AEF demonstrator was developed and used to characterize the behaviour of the system; predictions from the numerical model were confirmed by experiment. Real power transfer efficiency was found to be 30% for the demonstrator. In particular the AEF power loss mechanisms were explored, and the major losses were heat generation due to viscous loss in the piezoelectric elements. An AEF Laboratory Demonstrator Mk-II that can transmit power (at the measured power transfer efficiency) and two-way communications is proposed.
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