The proposed passive RF sensors can be embedded in structural components of space flight hardware. Multiple sensors distributed throughout structures will enable nondestructive evaluation of habitats in real time, enabling warnings and corrective actions when structural health is compromised. In addition to structural health monitoring, chemical sensors based on resistive or capacitive materials can be incorporated in the 3D antenna. Passive RF-based chemical sensors may be used for applications including leak detection and air quality monitoring.
Electrically small 3 dimensional antennas enables a wide range of passive wireless sensor and sensor network applications. Passive sensors for temperature, pressure and chemicals can be integrated in the 3D antenna structure. RF piezoresistive sensors can be embedded in concrete structures to monitor integrity throughout its life, and specifically after earthquakes, floods and other disasters that could compromise structures. Chemical sensors based on resistive or capacitive materials can be incorporated in the 3D antenna. Sites such as abandoned mines, landfills and water systems can be monitored for key contaminants with such sensors. Monitoring of soil contaminants in remediation sites (e.g., mercury) can be done by deploying multiple sensors throughout the site and periodically interrogating the sensors for contaminant levels. Sensors can be embedded in sports helmets to monitor impact force and help prevent long term damage caused by repeated impact.
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