Viscosity sensor with temperature measurement function based on multifunctional metal matrix composite

• Published in: Sensors and actuators. A. Physical. Vol. 331; p. 112518
• Main Authors: Yanaseko, Tetsuro, Sato, Hiroshi, Mossi, Karla, Asanuma, Hiroshi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 01.11.2021; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Ceramic fibers; Heat transfer; Matrix; Metal fibers; Metal matrix composite; Metal matrix composites; Metal oxides; Modulus of elasticity; Oxide coatings; Piezoelectric ceramics; Piezoelectric composite; Room temperature; Sensors; Sludge; Smart materials; Temperature; Temperature compensation; Temperature dependence; Temperature measurement; Thermal expansion; Thermocouples; Viscosity; Viscosity measurement; Piezoelectric composite; Viscosity measurement; Metal matrix composite; Smart materials
• ISSN: 0924-4247; 1873-3069
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sna.2020.112518

[Display omitted] •Active-type viscosity sensor using metal-core piezoelectric fiber/aluminum composite.•Temperature measurement function was realized by compounding the TiO2 /Ti fiber with the piezoelectric fiber simultaneously.•By examining the embedding conditions, it is succeeded that embedding two types of fragile functional fibers in aluminum matrix without damage.•A high viscosity measurement accuracy was realized by performing temperature compensation using the measured temperature. A temperature-compensated viscosity sensor was developed. The sensor consisted of a multifunctional metal matrix composite incorporating a metal-core piezoelectric fiber and a surface-oxidized metal fiber. This viscosity sensor was developed as a sensor that can withstand harsh environments, such as engine oil monitoring. In this case, viscosity is affected by oil deterioration, sludge mixing, and temperature changes. Therefore, a multifunctional metal matrix composite was fabricated using two metal-core piezoelectric fibers for viscosity measurements, and a surface-oxidized metal fiber for temperature. The metal oxide surface has a notch made by removing the oxide film, which forms a thermocouple when it comes into contact with the metal matrix. After evaluating the device's characteristics in standard room temperature, the viscosity was measured using glycerine solutions with different concentrations and varying temperatures. The temperature dependence of the sensor was measured and used for calibrating the results. This temperature dependence was present due to changes in dimensions due to thermal expansion of the matrix, and Young's modulus, piezoelectric constant, and relative dielectric constant of the piezoelectric ceramic fibers. A correction formula was calculated based on temperature dependence to demonstrate that temperature compensation was possible at range of from 2 to 25 Pa s kgm3.