Recent Advancements in the Development of Sensors for the Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) at High-Temperature Environment: A Review

Abstract

With Industry 4.0 becoming increasingly pervasive, the importance and usage of sensors has increased several folds. Industry 4.0 refers to a new phase in the industrial revolution that mainly focuses on inter-connectivity, automation, machine learning, and real-time data. Real-time structural health monitoring (SHM) of components in the industrial process is one of the crucial and important component of Industry 4.0. SHM of components exposed to high-temperature (similar to 650 degrees C) is becoming increasingly important nowadays. However, harsh and high temperature environments impose a great challenge towards their implementation. This review is an attempt to demonstrate the development, application, limitations and recent advancement of the existing sensors used for SHM. Some sensors such as eddy current (EC) sensors and fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors have been discussed in detail. A phenomenological study of the electromagnetic sensor for the SHM of engineering components that are exposed to high temperature has been addressed. State-of-the-art fabrication methodologies such as low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology for such type of sensors for high temperature SHM applications have been elucidated. Future challenges and opportunities for SHM applications of high temperature sensors have been highlighted.