A PVDF long time-constant force sensor
Aaron M. Foulk, W. Jack Hughes · The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America · 2001
A low-profile large-area underwater force sensor was desired to measure quasistatic forces on a rigid structure. The design for a PVDF sensor (a low-profile piezoelectric) intended for use in measuring sustained (10-s) impact forces with minimal error is presented. The final sensor design integrates a PVDF bimorph piezoelectric element and long time constant charge amplifier electronics into a 1-in. diam by 3/8-in. waterproof package. This work addresses design issues including electronics design to maximize the useful time constant, piezoelectric material selection, thermal design and simulation to minimize pyroelectric effects and noise minimization efforts. [This work was supported by NSWC-CD and ONR.]