WSN-Based Multi-Sensor System for Structural Health Monitoring

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is an essential technique for continuously assessing structural conditions using integrated sensor systems during operation. SHM technologies have evolved to address the increasing demand for efficient maintenance strategies in advanced engineering fields, such as...

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Main Authors: Fatih Dagsever, Zahra Sharif Khodaei, M. H. Ferri Aliabadi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Sensors
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/14/4407
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author Fatih Dagsever
Zahra Sharif Khodaei
M. H. Ferri Aliabadi
author_facet Fatih Dagsever
Zahra Sharif Khodaei
M. H. Ferri Aliabadi
author_sort Fatih Dagsever
collection DOAJ
description Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is an essential technique for continuously assessing structural conditions using integrated sensor systems during operation. SHM technologies have evolved to address the increasing demand for efficient maintenance strategies in advanced engineering fields, such as civil infrastructure, aerospace, and transportation. However, developing a miniaturized, cost-effective, and multi-sensor solution based on Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) remains a significant challenge, particularly for SHM applications in weight-sensitive aerospace structures. To address this, the present study introduces a novel WSN-based Multi-Sensor System (MSS) that integrates multiple sensing capabilities onto a 3 × 3 cm flexible Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The proposed system combines a Piezoelectric Transducer (PZT) for impact detection; a strain gauge for mechanical deformation monitoring; an accelerometer for capturing dynamic responses; and an environmental sensor measuring temperature, pressure, and humidity. This high level of functional integration, combined with real-time Data Acquisition (DAQ) and precise time synchronization via Bluetooth Low Energy (LE), distinguishes the proposed MSS from conventional SHM systems, which are typically constrained by bulky hardware, single sensing modalities, or dependence on wired communication. Experimental evaluations on composite panels and aluminum specimens demonstrate reliable high-fidelity recording of PZT signals, strain variations, and acceleration responses, matching the performance of commercial instruments. The proposed system offers a low-power, lightweight, and scalable platform, demonstrating strong potential for on-board SHM in aircraft applications.
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institution Kabale University
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publishDate 2025-07-01
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series Sensors
spelling doaj-art-d2767abde1844859bee6b5330ca949302025-08-20T03:32:27ZengMDPI AGSensors1424-82202025-07-012514440710.3390/s25144407WSN-Based Multi-Sensor System for Structural Health MonitoringFatih Dagsever0Zahra Sharif Khodaei1M. H. Ferri Aliabadi2Department of Aeronautics, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, City and Guilds Building, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UKDepartment of Aeronautics, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, City and Guilds Building, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UKDepartment of Aeronautics, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, City and Guilds Building, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UKStructural Health Monitoring (SHM) is an essential technique for continuously assessing structural conditions using integrated sensor systems during operation. SHM technologies have evolved to address the increasing demand for efficient maintenance strategies in advanced engineering fields, such as civil infrastructure, aerospace, and transportation. However, developing a miniaturized, cost-effective, and multi-sensor solution based on Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) remains a significant challenge, particularly for SHM applications in weight-sensitive aerospace structures. To address this, the present study introduces a novel WSN-based Multi-Sensor System (MSS) that integrates multiple sensing capabilities onto a 3 × 3 cm flexible Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The proposed system combines a Piezoelectric Transducer (PZT) for impact detection; a strain gauge for mechanical deformation monitoring; an accelerometer for capturing dynamic responses; and an environmental sensor measuring temperature, pressure, and humidity. This high level of functional integration, combined with real-time Data Acquisition (DAQ) and precise time synchronization via Bluetooth Low Energy (LE), distinguishes the proposed MSS from conventional SHM systems, which are typically constrained by bulky hardware, single sensing modalities, or dependence on wired communication. Experimental evaluations on composite panels and aluminum specimens demonstrate reliable high-fidelity recording of PZT signals, strain variations, and acceleration responses, matching the performance of commercial instruments. The proposed system offers a low-power, lightweight, and scalable platform, demonstrating strong potential for on-board SHM in aircraft applications.https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/14/4407structural health monitoringmulti-sensor systemBluetooth LEWSN-based monitoring
spellingShingle Fatih Dagsever
Zahra Sharif Khodaei
M. H. Ferri Aliabadi
WSN-Based Multi-Sensor System for Structural Health Monitoring
Sensors
structural health monitoring
multi-sensor system
Bluetooth LE
WSN-based monitoring
title WSN-Based Multi-Sensor System for Structural Health Monitoring
title_full WSN-Based Multi-Sensor System for Structural Health Monitoring
title_fullStr WSN-Based Multi-Sensor System for Structural Health Monitoring
title_full_unstemmed WSN-Based Multi-Sensor System for Structural Health Monitoring
title_short WSN-Based Multi-Sensor System for Structural Health Monitoring
title_sort wsn based multi sensor system for structural health monitoring
topic structural health monitoring
multi-sensor system
Bluetooth LE
WSN-based monitoring
url https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/14/4407
work_keys_str_mv AT fatihdagsever wsnbasedmultisensorsystemforstructuralhealthmonitoring
AT zahrasharifkhodaei wsnbasedmultisensorsystemforstructuralhealthmonitoring
AT mhferrialiabadi wsnbasedmultisensorsystemforstructuralhealthmonitoring