Piezoelectric Gauge of Small Dynamic Bending Strains

Abstract

This paper is devoted to a new gauge of small dynamic bending deformations of structures. Unlike previously existing strain gauges that measure elongation or compression at a certain point on the surface of a deformable body, the proposed gauge measures the change in curvature at a point on the surface of a deformable body and does not respond to elongation–compression strains. The gauge is a layered bar made of piezoelectric and elastic materials. It functions using the direct piezoelectric effect. In order to competently study the deformed state of a structure at points on a surface, it is necessary to determine all components of the strain tensor. The gauges currently used measure only elongational or compressive strains, which does not provide a complete picture of the strain state. It is very important to complement these deformations with bending strains measured by the new gauge.