Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 3, 2025

Production of a Strain-Measuring Device with an Improved 3D Printer
Published on: January 30, 2020
3D printed graphene-based self-powered strain sensors for smart tires in autonomous vehicles
Deepam Maurya1,2, Seyedmeysam Khaleghian3, Rammohan Sriramdas4
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA. mauryad@vt.edu.
Abstract:
The transition of autonomous vehicles into fleets requires an advanced control system design that relies on continuous feedback from the tires. Smart tires enable continuous monitoring of dynamic parameters by combining strain sensing with traditional tire functions. Here, we provide breakthrough in this direction by demonstrating tire-integrated system that combines direct mask-less 3D printed strain gauges, flexible piezoelectric energy harvester for powering the sensors and secure wireless data transfer electronics, and machine learning for predictive data analysis. Ink of graphene based material was designed to directly print strain sensor for measuring tire-road interactions under varying driving speeds, normal load, and tire pressure. A secure wireless data transfer hardware powered by a piezoelectric patch is implemented to demonstrate self-powered sensing and wireless communication capability. Combined, this study significantly advances the design and fabrication of cost-effective smart tires by demonstrating practical self-powered wireless strain sensing capability.
Related Concept Videos
Measurements of Strain
Rolling Resistance
For instance, imagine a hard cylinder rolling on a comparatively soft surface. The cylinder's weight compresses the surface beneath it. As the cylinder moves, the material in front of it slows down due to...
Design Example: Strain Gauge Bridge or Wheatstone Bridge

