Frequency shift of a PVDF surface acoustic wave sensor on a curved surface

Abstract

Wearable sensors have generated a significant attention across various research domains, including the monitoring of human health, pressure sensing, and body health monitoring. Notably, substantial research has been focused on the utilization of piezoelectric sensors for precise pressure measurements in diverse applications, such as medical devices and structural health monitoring. This paper explains the external pressure measurement employing sensors crafted from Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF), known for its remarkable ability to conform consistently to various surface shapes and curvatures. The primary objective of this study is to present an integrated experimental and numerical approach to quantifying the frequency shift of piezoelectric PVDF surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors when deployed on curved surfaces, a crucial step in optimizing their performance for real-world applications. We aim to explain how changes in surface geometry impact frequency shifts concerning external pressure and movement. Our findings reveal a linear relationship between frequency shifts and geometric variations in a certain range, as supported by experimental data. Furthermore, it is observed that PVDF samples can be used to successfully measure the internal pressure of a canister. The consistency between experimental and numerical results underscores the validity and reliability of our approach. In summary, this paper contributes to our understanding of piezoelectric PVDF SAW sensor behavior when placed on curved surfaces. Our novel methodology combines experimental measurements and numerical simulations to quantify the impact of geometric changes on frequency shifts, providing valuable insights for future sensor applications.