Composite tank with structurally integrated noninvasive fluid-level monitoring

William B. Spillman Jr.; S. Durkee; J. D. Blair

doi:10.1117/12.207714

20 April 1995 Composite tank with structurally integrated noninvasive fluid-level monitoring

William B. Spillman Jr., S. Durkee, J. D. Blair

Proceedings Volume 2444, Smart Structures and Materials 1995: Smart Sensing, Processing, and Instrumentation; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.207714
Event: Smart Structures and Materials '95, 1995, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

One of the goals of smart structures research is the integration of functions such as sensing, actuation and control into structures themselves. Smart structures research activity to date has largely focused on process control or integrated structural health monitoring. Other functions can also be integrated into structures. In this paper, results of an experimental demonstration integrating fluid level sensing with the structural support of a nonconductive tank are reported. The system utilized a composite capacitance fuel probe permanently bonded into the tank walls as a structural support. The probe was connected in series with a resistor and inductive coil forming a resonant RLC circuit. Non-contact excitation of the circuit through the tank wall and measurement of the resonance frequency allowed the fluid level to be determined. The theoretical basis of the concept is provided and compared with experimental results. Potential applications of the technology are also discussed.

Citation Download Citation

William B. Spillman Jr., S. Durkee, and J. D. Blair "Composite tank with structurally integrated noninvasive fluid-level monitoring", Proc. SPIE 2444, Smart Structures and Materials 1995: Smart Sensing, Processing, and Instrumentation, (20 April 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.207714

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