A Contactless Low-Carbon Steel Magnetostrictive Torquemeter: Numerical Analysis and Experimental Validation

Area of Science:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Electromagnetism

Background:

• Traditional torquemeters often require shaft interruption for sensor placement.
• Contactless torque measurement offers a significant advantage in many applications.
• The inverse magnetostrictive effect, where stress alters magnetic properties, provides a basis for non-invasive sensing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of measuring torsional loads on S235 steel shafts using an inverse magnetostrictive torquemeter.
• To analyze the performance of a contactless torquemeter system based on electromagnetic principles.
• To validate numerical models with experimental data for torque measurement accuracy.

Main Methods:

• Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis of the torquemeter system under loaded and unloaded conditions.
• Experimental validation comparing numerical results with actual torque measurements.
• Utilizing an excitation coil and an array of sensing coils to detect changes in magnetic properties induced by torsional stress.

Main Results:

• The developed inverse magnetostrictive torquemeter demonstrated a linear sensor characteristic.
• The experimental setup achieved a sensitivity of approximately 0.013 mV/Nm.
• FEM analysis confirmed the consistency of the numerical model with experimental findings.

Conclusions:

• The inverse magnetostrictive torquemeter is a viable, reliable, and economical solution for torque measurement.
• The system's reliance on the inherent properties of ferromagnetic steel simplifies installation and material requirements.
• This technology offers a practical alternative to conventional, intrusive torque measurement devices.