Metal Fatigue Prevention Unit

Louisiana State University
posted on 09/14/2010

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This invention is a unique technology for monitoring fatigue damage to metals due to repeated stress (bending, torsion, tension-compression). It predicts when a metal device or structure will break by estimating the amount and rate of entropy generated in the metal and is capable of halting the operation prior to fracture at a user-specified tolerance, e.g. when only ten percent of the remaining life is expected. The system measures the surface temperature and feeds that information into a novel Fatigue Prevention Unit (FPU) which calculates the entropy sends a cut-off signal to the machine when it is about to break. This will prevent the critical failure of machines which will save time, money, and potentially lives. It can also be used in product development to determine the optimal combination of metals to use as the results are easily scalable. The unit works regardless of the size of the structure, type of loading or stress, or frequency of the loading or stress.

• Oil and gas drilling machines
• Critical aircraft structures such as wings
• Wind mills
• Pumps
• Automotive parts

• Reliable and accurate
• Cost effective
• Easily installed
• Easily applied to miniature as well as large systems
• Functions as a non-destructive testing procedure