A fluidics-based impact sensor.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Physics

Background:

• Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometers are common but require power.
• There is a need for low-cost, passive impact detection sensors.
• Existing solutions often involve complex electronics or power sources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and fabricate a novel, low-cost impact sensor prototype.
• To demonstrate impact detection without electronic circuits or batteries.
• To characterize the sensor's response to varying physical parameters.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a sensor using stereolithography with plastic housing and working fluids (water droplet in oil).
• Testing of geometrical and physical parameters to determine impact threshold.
• Analysis of sensor response using dimensionless numbers (Archimedes and Bond numbers).

Main Results:

• Successful fabrication of a functional impact sensor prototype.
• Demonstrated impact detection through water droplet deformation and pinch-off.
• Established a state diagram using Archimedes and Bond numbers to describe sensor response and threshold acceleration.

Conclusions:

• The developed sensor offers a viable low-cost, passive solution for impact detection.
• The sensor's performance is predictable and characterizable using dimensionless parameters.
• This technology has potential applications in various fields requiring simple impact monitoring.