Component with a detection structure for mechanical damage

US8008932B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Siemens Aktiengesellschaft · DE

Inventors

• Frank Arndt · Berlin, DE
• Ursus Krüger · Berlin, DE
• Oliver Stier · Berlin, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 10, 2007
• Grant date: Aug 30, 2011
• Expiry date: May 24, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N3/066
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A component made of electrically insulating material with a detection structure for mechanical damage such as cracks is disclosed. The detection structure is a conductor. The electrical properties of the detection structure are modified as more and more cracks are formed such that the component will be replaced in time before breaking. The electrical conductor is formed by particles that are in contact with each other and have a metallic surface such that an electrical conductor is created which is particularly sensitive to mechanical damage, thus rendering the detection structure highly sensitive. Furthermore, if the metallic surface is produced merely by cladding the particles while the inside of the particles is made of the same material as the component, a conductor featuring an adapted thermal expansion behavior is created for components that are subject to great thermal stress, e.g. heat shield panels.