Abstract
Damage indexes are defined as physical values that can be well correlated to a critical damage in a device or a structure. A new sensor that can memorize such damage indexes is proposed. The mechanism to memorize the indexes relies on the pure plastic deformation of the sensing section. The pure plastic deformation is made possible by introducing a thin wire that is easily buckled by a small compressive force. In addition, the damage indexes can be retrieved wirelessly if desired. Introduction of LC oscillator into the sensor enabled wireless reading of the indexes. Power supply to the LC oscillator is achieved by an electromagnetic induction system. Theoretical and experimental studies are presented to show excellent performance of the proposed sensor.
