Thin film PVDF sensors applied to high acceleration measurements

Abstract

Increasing interest is being shown in poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) in an attempt to develop high-quality, low-cost acceleration-sensing systems. In this context, the potential applications of PVDF in the field of high value acceleration ( 100 000 g) are presented. The investigation is focused on three main points: thin-film elaboration: the Bauer polarization method; metallisation process: the selection of metal; the connecting circuit to the signal-processing electronics. Results are presented of measurements performed on structures prepared in our laboratory and based on the Hopkinson bars method. The main features presented deal with: the good reproducibility of the measurement technique; the linear response of the accelerometer up to 50 000 g; the calibration problem of the experimental set up in the absence of calibration equipment appropriate to that range of acceleration.