A New Device for Measuring Trunk Diameter Variations Using Magnetic Amorphous Wires

Area of Science:

• Botany
• Materials Science
• Instrumentation Engineering

Background:

• Accurate measurement of tree trunk variations is crucial for forestry and horticulture.
• Dendrometers are essential tools for assessing tree health, growth, and environmental conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a new type of dendrometer utilizing the giant stress impedance effect.
• To detail the operating principle, construction, and experimental validation of the proposed device.

Main Methods:

• Converting trunk volume changes into axial stress on magnetic wire elements.
• Employing the giant stress impedance effect for sensitive measurement.
• Electronic signal processing to obtain digital outputs proportional to diameter variations.

Main Results:

• The new dendrometer demonstrates high resolution (1.6 µm) and linearity (1.4%).
• It exhibits good immunity to temperature variations (0.012%/°C) and a wide measurement range (0-5 mm).
• Laboratory and in-field tests confirm the device's effectiveness and robustness.

Conclusions:

• The proposed dendrometer offers superior resolution and sensitivity compared to commercial alternatives.
• Advantages include remote data transmission, robustness, and cost-effectiveness.
• This technology can significantly enhance tree health monitoring and climate change studies.