Development of a novel strain sensor using nanotube-based materials with applications to structural vibration control

Arun Ramaratnam; Nader Jalili; Himanshu Rajoria

doi:10.1117/12.579568

Translator Disclaimer

22 June 2004 Development of a novel strain sensor using nanotube-based materials with applications to structural vibration control

Arun Ramaratnam, Nader Jalili, Himanshu Rajoria

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 5503, Sixth International Conference on Vibration Measurements by Laser Techniques: Advances and Applications; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.579568
Event: Sixth International Conference on Vibration Measurements by Laser Techniques: Advances and Applications, 2004, Ancona, Italy

Abstract

In many structural vibration control applications, strain sensors play a key role in the design and implementation of the vibration controller. Different types of sensors are commercially available, among which is the poled polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), an attractive sensor for large bandwidths and low costs. Despite such attractive features, PVDF-based sensors have limited use due to their low efficiency (mechanical energy to electrical energy conversion factor). To remedy this, nanocrystals and nanostructures have been recently cited as candidate materials that can be engineered to exhibit enhanced or entirely new properties for use in different applications. Particularly, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have raised considerable interest in the scientific community due to their size and wide range of outstanding material properties. Given the moduli and strength values of CNTs, they are ideal filler materials for high performance (polymer) composite materials with unbeatable modulus-to-weight and strength-to-weight ratios -- the attributes that are essential for structural vibration control of a wide variety of industrial equipment and systems. Along this line of reasoning, this paper undertakes the development and implementation of a novel sensor paradigm based on proper fusion of CNTs with PVDF materials.

Citation Download Citation

Arun Ramaratnam, Nader Jalili, and Himanshu Rajoria "Development of a novel strain sensor using nanotube-based materials with applications to structural vibration control", Proc. SPIE 5503, Sixth International Conference on Vibration Measurements by Laser Techniques: Advances and Applications, (22 June 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.579568

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE