Development of a retrofit layer with an embedded array of piezoelectric sensors for transient pressure measurement in maritime applications

Measurement of transient pressure distribution on maritime structures is important for the assessment hydrodynamic loads applied. The commonly used sensors are mostly bulky, need to be bolted structure, and/or only provide point-wise measurements. In this paper, an elastic matrix layer with a network embedded piezoelectric proposed address these issues. For experimental validation, 400 × 5 mm epoxy fabricated embedding 25 square grid in accordance Gauss-Lobatto-Legendre points. A finite element based inverse procedure developed reconstruct field from electric potentials measured by transducers. Feasibility concept evaluated measuring and reconstructing generated travelling wave water tank. Sensitivity also investigated through experiments. results indicate that retrofit capable reconstruction, presence disturbances sensing surface does not affect measurements notable way, while non-ideal conditions mounting can have significant impact accuracy highlight potential