New compliant strain gauges for self-sensing dynamic deformation of flapping wings on miniature air vehicles

摘要: Over the past several years there has been an increasing interest in development of miniature air vehicles (MAVs) with flapping wings. To allow these MAVs to adjust changes wind direction and maximize their efficiency, it is desirable monitor deformation wing during flight. This paper presents a step this direction, demonstrating measurement strain on surface using minimally invasive compliant piezoresistive sensors. The gauges consisted latex mixed electrically conducting exfoliated graphite, they were applied by spray coating. calibrate gauges, both static dynamic testing up 10 Hz performed cantilever structures. In tension sensitivity was linear 0.4 Ω μe−1 gauge factor 28; compression, −5. Although sensitivities compression differed almost six, not reflected data, which followed reversibly little distortion. There no attenuation frequency, indicating sufficiently small time constant for application. thin, compliant, light enough measure, without interference, deformations due shape flexible associated generating lift thrust. During resistance closely tracked generated thrust, measured test stand, signals tracing figure-8 loops as function position throughout each cycle.