A Sensor Based on a Spherical Parallel Mechanism for the Measurement of Fluid Velocity: Physical Modelling and
Roque Saltarén1,2, Gerardo Portilla3,4, Alejandro R Barroso5,6
1Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Escuela Técnica Superior De Ingenieros Industriales, 28006 Madrid, Spain. roquejacinto.saltaren@upm.es.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 12, 2018
Summary
A novel sensor measures fluid velocity by converting kinetic energy into potential energy using a spherical parallel mechanism. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) and algorithm accurately determine fluid speed and direction.
Area of Science:
- Fluid dynamics
- Mechanical engineering
- Sensor technology
Background:
- Accurate measurement of fluid velocity is crucial in various engineering applications.
- Existing methods for fluid velocity measurement have limitations in certain environments.
- Development of novel sensors is needed for efficient fluid flow analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a new sensor for measuring fluid velocity and direction.
- To utilize a spherical parallel mechanism and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) for fluid flow sensing.
- To create a mathematical model and algorithm for accurate velocity determination.
Main Methods:
- A three-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) spherical parallel mechanism was designed.
- Fluid kinetic energy deforms the mechanism, converting it to potential energy.
- An IMU within a sphere captures deformation data.
- A custom algorithm processes IMU data to calculate fluid velocity and direction.
- Simulations were performed using Adams and MATLAB software.
Main Results:
- The developed sensor successfully transforms fluid kinetic energy into measurable potential energy.
- The algorithm accurately calculates both the velocity and direction of fluid flow.
- Simulations confirmed the technical feasibility and accuracy of the proposed sensor system.
Conclusions:
- The novel sensor based on a spherical parallel mechanism is technically feasible for fluid velocity measurement.
- The integrated IMU and algorithm provide accurate determination of fluid flow parameters.
- This approach offers a promising new method for fluid dynamics research and applications.
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