Electrokinetically propelled digital pendulum for seismic alert

Abstract

An electrostatic induction pendulum (EIP) has been designed and developed for the first time for the innovative construction and maintenance of earthquake prewarning systems to address the existed issues of massive funding required, incomplete distribution even as well as the lack of coverage in remote or sparsely populated areas. This innovative EIP includes a pendulum and a static-electricity induced sensor which could detect subtle variations in electrical potential during motion. The sensor offers crucial insights into the vibration, damping, and resonance traits of the EIP, with the minimum detectable vibration intensity is 0.17 m/s². Simultaneously, by introducing external vibrations varied with frequencies, the inherent frequency of the EIP can correspondingly be modified subtly leading energy distribution to be weakened, which lay a groundwork for earthquake monitoring and early warning. Furthermore, an earthquake monitoring and early warning system aided by EIP, data acquisition module, and machine learning is engineered for real-time analysis and decision-making. Once an earthquake occurs, the system automatically sends alerts to relevant departments or individuals to take protective measures in advance. This cost-effective, easily portable, and widely distributed earthquake monitoring solution complements existing systems and can be easily deployed even in remote areas.