A U-shaped wire for viscosity and mass density sensing

• Published in: Sensors and actuators. A. Physical. Vol. 214; pp. 245 - 251
• Main Authors: Heinisch, M., Reichel, E.K., Dufour, I., Jakoby, B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.08.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: Actuators; Cross sections; Density; Engineering Sciences; Mass density; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical models; Micro and nanotechnologies; Microelectronics; Resonator; Sensor; Sensors; U-shaped; Viscosity; Wire; Viscosity; Mass density; Resonator; U-shaped; Sensor
• ISSN: 0924-4247; 1873-3069
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sna.2014.04.020

•A resonant viscosity and mass density sensor based on an oscillating U-shaped tungsten wire is presented.•The device was designed to feature low cross-sensitivity to temperature.•A comprehensive closed form model considering the fundamental structural and fluid mechanics is derived.•The model relates input-signals to output-signals in dependence of the sample fluid's mass density and viscosity.•Measurements showing the sensor's performance and the validity of the presented model are discussed in detail. A resonant sensor for a fluid's viscosity and mass density, employing an out-of-plane vibrating U-shaped tungsten wire is presented. The motivation for such a design is based on four major aspects, which are: operation in the low kilohertz range, circular cross-section of the resonator, electrodynamic actuation and read-out by means of Lorentz forces and low cross-sensitivity of the device's resonance frequency to temperature. The setup is described in detail, an analytical model is presented and results from experiments using acetone–isopropanol and DI-water–glycerol solutions are discussed to show the sensor's performance.