Joanna Watts

University of Sheffield, Alltech (United States)

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Dr. Joanna Watts is a leading researcher in acoustic condition monitoring for water infrastructure, specializing in the early detection and assessment of defects and leaks in pressurized fluid-filled pipes. Her work addresses a critical challenge: traditional acoustic methods often fail to pinpoint the location or estimate the severity of small pipe wall defects. Dr. Watts has made major contributions by developing novel sensing techniques, including a groundbreaking approach that uses the acoustic fluid velocity to detect defects in rising mains, and a new acoustic sensor for condition assessment and early leak detection. Her research has been cited in key studies (2 citations each for her most impactful papers), demonstrating its growing influence in the field. Notably, her sensor design overcomes limitations of conventional accelerometers and hydrophones, offering more reliable diagnostics for aging water infrastructure. Dr. Watts’ work is vital for reducing water loss and preventing catastrophic pipe failures, making her a key figure in sustainable water management and infrastructure resilience.