Distributed Acoustic Sensing for Interdisciplinary Geophysical and Civil Engineering Research and Education
Abstract
Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) is a state-of-the-art approach that can yield significant breakthroughs for diverse applications in engineering and geological sciences. DAS technology uses an optoelectronic device (an ÒinterrogatorÓ) attached to a fiber optic cable to record acoustic signals (vibrations) experienced throughout the length of the cable. The optoelectronic device sends a pulse of light down the cable to sense the scattering of the light that are controlled by the acoustic (seismic) environment corresponding to the natural vibration signals (earthquakes, landslides, etc.) as well as anthropogenic vibration signals (highways, trains, airports, etc.). These signals allow us to understand better the acoustic/seismic source processes as well as the local response (e.g., vibration, strain/deformation) of the medium where the cable is installed when it experiences these signals. The Center for Transportation Infrastructure Systems (CTIS), along with the Departments of Civil Engineering and Earth, Environmental and Resource Sciences (DEERS) respectfully submit this proposal to acquire a Distributed Acoustic Sensing system. The multidisciplinary team requesting the DAS consists of senior, successful mid-career, and promising junior faculty members to ensure the effective continuity of use of the device. The group collectively has enough resources to operate, maintain and update the equipment. A DAS system would enhance our current strong research programs and modern lab and field facilities. DAS is a versatile technology that can bring a new paradigm in cross-disciplinary experimental research in both built and natural environments. The addition of this equipment will support the university mission to pioneer a new convergent research field in distributed acoustic sensing, allowing for the development of innovative imaging and monitoring methodologies aligned with DoD priorities. DAS can be leveraged in a broad array of basic and applied research, including infrastructure health monitoring, airfield-pavement evaluation/design, seismic characterization of explosions and earthquakes, constraining near-surface wave propagation, imaging the subsurface, understanding acoustic signals generated by atmospheric events, and interaction of nature-built environments in a spatially continuous manner. From an educational and workforce development standpoint, DAS would serve as a cutting-edge educational tool where graduate and undergraduate students could accrue knowledge in a subject area that is in its infancy but is rapidly growing. We are committed to the overarching goal of increasing student interest in STEM and increasing enrollment of students who are minorities and that are underrepresented in our STEM: Civil Engineering and DEERS Programs. Students using DAS would graduate as subject-matter experts on this technology, developing methods that are novel and innovative. The integration of research that converges geophysics with civil engineering is inherent to DAS research applications would also introduce students to convergent research topics in natural and built environments. This would effectively produce well-rounded scientists and engineers that are versed in both geological sciences and civil engineering. As an R-1 institution dedicated to the education of Hispanics, UTEP strives to attract students to pursue studies leading to STEM careers. By its nature, DAS will lead to extremely hands-on and appealing demonstrations as part of our mission to attract minority (underrepresented) students to STEM. We shall leverage this technology to secure new research opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students. We will also use the resultant products to develop course materials that will be integrated to university-level and high-school level engineering and science courses. We will also integrate DAS-based interactive activities to establish educational outreach programs for K-12.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 02, 2022
- Source ID
- W911NF2210194
Entities
People
- Soheil Nazarian
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army
- University of Texas at El Paso