Finite element modeling and simulation of fiber optical based load cell (FOLC) sensor

N. M. Shelke; Kiran Tamadaddi; P. B. Buchade; Arvind D. Shaligram

doi:10.1117/12.621514

12 April 2005 Finite element modeling and simulation of fiber optical based load cell (FOLC) sensor

N. M. Shelke, Kiran Tamadaddi, P. B. Buchade, Arvind D. Shaligram

Proceedings Volume 5852, Third International Conference on Experimental Mechanics and Third Conference of the Asian Committee on Experimental Mechanics; (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.621514
Event: Third International Conference on Experimental Mechanics and Third Conference of the Asian Committee on Experimental Mechanics, 2004, -, Singapore

Abstract

Optical techniques have played an important role in telecommunication, industrial instrumentation and the sensors fields. In telecommunication field, the fiber optic technology is now firmly established for voice and data transfer. Wider bandwidth, low attenuation and mechanical properties of the fiber, are among the major advantages of optical fiber systems, even in the presence of various extreme and hazardous environmental conditions. The applications of optical fibers in the field of sensors are well established. This paper reports on development, modeling and simulation of fiber optic load cell (FOLC) sensor. The sensor basically consists of a fiber optic micro-displacement sensor probe and a load sensing diaphragm which also acts as a reflector. A pan is used for keeping the weights, the load of which is transferred to the diaphragm by a pin. The geometrical information of developed sensor is translated into a 3-D model. The stresses and deformations generated in the diaphragm are calculated using finite element method. Results for loading conditions ranging from low (mg) to high (100s of kg) levels and diaphragm parameters like thickness, diameter, Young's modulus and tensile strength are obtained. The fiber optic micro displacement sensor then senses the resulting deformations. A Ray Tracing module is used to study the relation between received intensity and position of fiber probe. The simulation results match well with the experimental results. The sensor dimensional parameters, geometry and material parameters of the diaphragm are optimized and are reported in the paper. It is hoped that this non-contact Load Cell sensor will offer several benefits over the conventional strain gauge based load cells.

Citation Download Citation

N. M. Shelke, Kiran Tamadaddi, P. B. Buchade, and Arvind D. Shaligram "Finite element modeling and simulation of fiber optical based load cell (FOLC) sensor", Proc. SPIE 5852, Third International Conference on Experimental Mechanics and Third Conference of the Asian Committee on Experimental Mechanics, (12 April 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.621514

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available