Research on thermal protection of piezoelectric pressure sensor for shock wave pressure measurement in explosion field

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to clarify the mechanism of ambient and transient temperature effects on piezoelectric pressure sensors, and to propose corresponding compensation measures. The temperature of the explosion field has a significant influence on the piezoelectric sensor used to measure the shock wave pressure. For accurate shock wave pressure measurement, based on the actual piezoelectric pressure sensors used in the explosion field, the effects of ambient and transient temperatures on the sensor should be studied.

Design/methodology/approach

The compensation method of the ambient temperature is discussed according to the sensor size and material. The theoretical analysis method of the transient temperature is proposed. For the transient temperature conduction problem of the sensor, the finite element simulation method of structure-temperature coupling is used to solve the temperature distribution of the sensor and the change in the contact force on the quartz crystal surface under the step and triangle temperatures. The simulation results are highly consistent with the theory.

Findings

Based on the analysis results, a transient temperature control method is proposed, in which 0.5 mm thick lubricating silicone grease is applied to the sensor diaphragm, and 0.2 mm thick fiberglass cloth is wrapped around the sensor side. Simulation experiments are carried out to verify the feasibility of the control method, and the results show that the control method effectively suppresses the output of the thermal parasitic.

Originality/value

The above thermal protection methods can effectively improve the measurement accuracy of shock wave pressure and provide technical support for the evaluation of the power of explosion damage.

Citation

Shi, Y., Kong, D. and Ma, X. (2023), "Research on thermal protection of piezoelectric pressure sensor for shock wave pressure measurement in explosion field", Sensor Review, Vol. 43 No. 3, pp. 208-220. https://doi.org/10.1108/SR-11-2022-0407