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The PVF2 piezoelectric polymer shock stress sensor signal conditioning and analysis for field test application

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6884429

The newly perfected PVF2 piezoelectric polymer shock stress sensor has greatly expanded the range of piezoelectric shock stress measurement. It extends the typical 50 kbar amplitude and 3 ..mu..s duration measurement limit of the classic quartz gauge to about 500 kbar amplitude and durations limited by experiment rather than sensor design. It is becoming the shock stress sensor of choice in diverse laboratory and field applications. This paper describes some unfamiliar characteristics of the PVF2 shock stress sensor and a field-validated hybrid approach to the general measurement problem as encountered under typical field conditions. The approach combines (1) the physical components that are intrinsic to the measurement (e.g., the sensor, transmission link, recorders) (2) complementary signal conditioning hardware (physical filters, compensators), and (3) complementary software components (digital filters). The paper describes the overall measurement process from estimation of the PVF2 signal voltage to be recorded, through corrections of system characterizations and design of special filter characteristics for recording and analysis, to the final reduction of observed voltage to actual stress experienced by the sensor. 10 figs., 9 refs., 1 tab.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
6884429
Report Number(s):
SAND-88-2907C; CONF-8811100-1; ON: DE89003276
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English