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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Method and apparatus for sensing the natural frequency of a cantilevered body

Patent ·
OSTI ID:872926
A method and apparatus for measuring the natural resonant frequency of a spring element by monitoring a phase difference between an output signal from the spring element and an input signal to the spring element and by adjusting frequency of the input signal until a detected phase difference signals that the natural resonant frequency has been reached. The method and apparatus are applied to a micro-cantilevered elements used to measure gas compositions and concentrations. Such elements are provided with coatings that absorb gas to cause deflections and changes in the mass or spring constant of the cantilevered element. These changes correspond to changes in the natural resonant frequency of the cantilevered element which are measured using the method and apparatus described herein.
Research Organization:
LOCKHEED MARTIN ENRGY SYST INC
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
Assignee:
Lockheed Martin Energy Systems, Inc. (Oak Ridge, TN)
Patent Number(s):
US 6041642
OSTI ID:
872926
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English