Abstract:
A damage sensing system, and a method of sensing damage using the system, are described. The system comprises: a plurality of tuned circuits arranged in parallel, each tuned circuit having a different resonant frequency; and processing means for discriminating the response of the different tuned circuits according to their respective different resonant frequencies, for example by processing changes in the respective Q-factors of the respective tuned circuits; wherein each of the plurality of tuned circuits comprises a respective damage sensor, each damage sensor comprising at least one direct write resistive element applied to an area of a substrate by a direct write process. Each tuned circuit may comprise a common resistor in series with the respective damage sensor. The plurality of the tuned circuits may be coupled to the processing means by a shared single pair of external connections.
Abstract:
A damage sensor, for example a crack gauge, a method of providing the same, and a method of sensing damage using the same, are described. The damage sensor comprises at least one direct write resistive element applied to an area of a substrate by a direct write process. Conductive tracks may be connected along two separated portions of the perimeter of the area of the direct write resistive element. The damage sensor may comprise plural direct write resistive elements, for example rectangular-shaped elements, each extending between and connected to two conducting tracks. In a further damage sensor, plural annular resistive elements are positioned in an annular arrangement with respect to each other. In all the damage sensors, the resistive elements may be applied around a hole in a substrate, or extending over a bonded edge between two substrates.
Abstract:
A method of and apparatus for forming components on a substrate. The method comprise in a first step applying a surface treatment to said substrate to form a patterned area having at least some electrical conductivity; in a second step electroplating onto the patterned area by means of a tool comprising a first electrode and a source for in situ supply of electrolyte, by providing an anode current to the first electrode, causing the patterned area at least in the vicinity of the tool to function as a cathode, and passing electrolyte between said patterned area and said first electrode, thereby to deposit conductive material onto said patterned area. The apparatus implements the method. Conductive material may be built up to an extent that the component so formed approximates to the bulk properties of the conductive material. The surface treatment itself therefore is not required to create good conduction properties.
Abstract:
A method of fabricating an object is disclosed. A first layer of powder is deposited onto a substrate in a configuration defining a first cross-section of the object, and is consolidated by laser irradiation. To fabricate the object, further layperson powder are then deposited onto the sintered first layer of powder to define further cross-sections of the object, and the further layers consolidated. A heat source is applied to the substrate in order to mitigate distortion of the substrate during fabrication of the object.