Modeling and experimental characterization of a new piezoelectric sensor for low-amplitude vibration measurement. (19th June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hou, X Y; Koh, C G; Kuang, K S C; Lee, W H
• Is Part Of: Measurement science & technology. Volume 28:Number 7(2017:Jul.)
• Publication Date: 2017-06-19
• Subjects: piezoelectric sensor -- accelerometer -- seismic sensor -- low-amplitude vibration -- low-frequency vibration; Physical measurements -- Periodicals; Scientific apparatus and instruments -- Periodicals; Equipment and Supplies -- Periodicals; Science -- instrumentation -- Periodicals; Technology -- instrumentation -- Periodicals; Mesures physiques -- Périodiques; Physical measurements; Scientific apparatus and instruments; Periodicals; 502.87
• DOI: 10.1088/1361-6501/aa4f22
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0957-0233

Abstract

Abstract: This paper investigates the capability of a novel piezoelectric sensor for low-frequency and low-amplitude vibration measurement. The proposed design effectively amplifies the input acceleration via two amplifying mechanisms and thus eliminates the use of the external charge amplifier or conditioning amplifier typically employed for measurement system. The sensor is also self-powered, i.e. no external power unit is required. Consequently, wiring and electrical insulation for on-site measurement are considerably simpler. In addition, the design also greatly reduces the interference from rotational motion which often accompanies the translational acceleration to be measured. An analytical model is developed based on a set of piezoelectric constitutive equations and beam theory. Closed-form expression is derived to correlate sensor geometry and material properties with its dynamic performance. Experimental calibration is then carried out to validate the analytical model. After calibration, experiments are carried out to check the feasibility of the new sensor in structural vibration detection. From experimental results, it is concluded that the proposed sensor is suitable for measuring low-frequency and low-amplitude vibrations.