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Characterization of Distributed Microfabricated Strain Gauges on Stretchable Sensor Networks for Structural
Xiyuan Chen1, Tanay Topac2, Wyatt Smith3
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Building 530, 440 Escondido Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. xiyuan@stanford.edu.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 3, 2018
Summary
Researchers developed a stretchable sensor network with 27 strain gauges to map structural strain. This robust system enhances smart structure capabilities for applications like morphing wings and autonomous vehicles.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Sensor Technology
Background:
- Smart structures require integrated sensing capabilities, mimicking biological nervous systems.
- Previous stretchable sensor networks monitored temperature and impacts.
- Developing distributed, reliable strain gauges is crucial for structural health monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a distributed, robust, and reliable stretchable strain gauge network.
- To obtain detailed strain distribution data over a specific area.
- To enable multifunctional sensing for advanced structural applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a stretchable network with 27 rosette strain gauges, 6 resistive temperature devices, and 8 piezoelectric transducers.
- Symmetrical distribution of sensors over a 150 × 150 mm area.
- Computational modeling of sensor network stretching and experimental characterization of strain gauges.
Main Results:
- Achieved a spatial resolution of 2.5 × 2.5 mm for mapping physical stimuli.
- Verified strain gauge performance, including gauge factor and temperature coefficient.
- Demonstrated a robust and reliable sensing system capable of generating distributed strain profiles.
Conclusions:
- The developed stretchable strain gauge network provides a reliable method for detailed strain mapping.
- This technology offers significant potential for applications in morphing wings, smart buildings, autonomous cars, and intelligent robots.
- The multifunctional sensing capabilities advance the development of intelligent and adaptive structures.
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