Driving Signal and Geometry Analysis of a Magnetoelastic Bending Mode Pressductor Type Sensor

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Physics
• Engineering

Background:

• Magnetoelastic sensors, typically made from transformer sheets or amorphous alloys, are commonly used for force sensing.
• While often used for compressive forces, this study investigates their application in measuring bending forces due to experimental convenience.
• Existing research defines the state-of-the-art in magnetoelastic sensor technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the performance of bulk magnetoelastic sensors for measuring bending forces.
• To model the sensor using Finite Element Method (FEM) with measured material characteristics.
• To experimentally determine optimal operating conditions and sensor geometries for linearity and sensitivity.

Main Methods:

• Material characterization for FEM simulation, assuming mechanical and magnetic isotropy and nonlinearity.
• Experimental setup using a sinusoidal magnetizing current source to test various frequencies, amplitudes, and sensor geometries.
• Analysis of RMS voltage changes in the secondary coil under different bending loads.

Main Results:

• Optimal operating conditions for the sensor are higher frequency signals and higher excitation current amplitudes.
• Sensor linearity can be enhanced by adjusting winding angles and spacing.
• The developed transformer sheet bending sensors are suitable for measuring small forces up to 2 N (shorter) and 0.2 N (longer).

Conclusions:

• Magnetoelastic sensors show promise for precise bending force measurement.
• Optimizing excitation parameters and sensor geometry significantly improves performance.
• The study provides valuable data for the design and application of magnetoelastic sensors in specific force ranges.