A new method of measuring sand impact force using piezoelectric ceramics. (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Zhengnong; Pu, Ou; Gong, Bo; Zhao, Zhefei; Huang, Bin; Wu, Honghua
• Is Part Of: Measurement. Volume 179(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: Sand impact force -- Wind-sand tunnel -- Piezoelectric ceramic chip -- Force experiment -- Low-rise buildings; Weights and measures -- Periodicals; Measurement -- Periodicals; Measurement; Weights and measures; Periodicals; 530.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.measurement.2021.109390
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-2241

Abstract

Highlights: Sand impact force is measured in the wind-driven sand flow filed with PZT-5A. The mathematical model of sand impact force and PZT-5A output voltage was established. Experimental methods for measuring sand impact force in a wind tunnel was established. Sand impact force at the center of building windward is greater than edge. The percentage of sand impact force in wind force at corresponding height is 1.7–28.9%. Abstract: The piezoelectric ceramic chip, called 'PZT-5A', is used as a force sensor to measure sand impact force in wind-driven sand flow field. The calibration test established the relationship between sand impact force and output voltage of PZT-5A. In wind-driven sand tunnel test, sand impact force of PZT-5A on windward side of low-rise building is measured. And force-moment sensor measured the total force of wind-driven sand flow on windward side, that wind force and sand impact force are calculated respectively by analyzing the interaction between wind and sand. The results show that the percentage difference of sand impact force on windward side measured by PZT-5A and force-moment sensor is −11.27 to 9.17%, with an average of −2.15%. The results are in good agreement, indicating that PZT-5A is feasible and accurate in measuring sand impact force. The percentage of sand impact force in wind force at the corresponding height below 40 cm is 1.7–28.9%.