Determination of the impact force on a plate by piezoelectric film sensors

An experimental method has been developed for detecting impact-generated fl exural waves in plates using piezoelectric films. The recorded signals are analyzed in order to determine the force-time history of the impact. The re constructed response is compared with the measured response. A good predict ion is found. This technique presents a valuable method for identification of source locations and may be applied to in-service structures under impac t, to seismic data from earthquakes or to signals recorded from acoustic em ission of propagating cracks.