This BSc assignment is defined within the scope of TISCALI project (Technology Innovation for Sewer Condition Assessment using Long-distance Information-system). One of the main objectives of TISCALI project is to arrive at an objective detection and quantification of defects in sewers and to determine the constructive strength and stability of sewers locally by means of an in-pipe robotic inspection. For this objective, an approach could be using the impact-echo method that utilizes the acoustics properties and vibration of relatively large non-reinforced concrete sewer pipes. An in-pipe robot will be equipped with an impactor and sensors that will perform inspection inside the pipes.
The focus of this BSc assignment is to design and study several possible autonomous actuators that could generate impact and excite the sewer pipe with prescribed energy and duration.
The project will be consists of 4 parts:
1. Define the specification of the actuator(impactor). Define and reason the target performance of the actuator.
2. Feasibility study. The feasibility study will be done to all proposed autonomous actuators to determine if it could meet the target specification in theory.
3. Develop one or more actuator. After the feasibility study, one or more actuator will be developed and tested to evaluate the performance of the actuator(s).
4. Result analysis. The performance of the actuator(s) will be analysed and conclude if it meets the target specification.