Parameters influencing PZT sensing in structural health monitoring

Sensing technologies employing smart materials like Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) transducers have attained revolutionary impact in the arena of SHM. For the past few decades, EMI based sensing techniques contributed significantly for the monitoring of real time structures. This paper presents a concise summary of the theory, applications and mainly the parameters affecting the sensing capabilities of EMI signatures. The studies based on various parameters such as frequency selection, PZT type and geometry, Environmental parameters like temperature and external vibrations etc. are reviewed and discussed. The review concludes with the probable directions/inputs for path forward.