Strain Sensors Using Carbon Nanotube Composites

Abstract

To address the need for new intelligent sensing of systems, this study presents a novel strain sensor based on piezoresistivity of carbon nanotube (CNT) and its nanocomposites. Fabrication and characterization of the carbon nanocomposite material are discussed and an electrical model of the CNT strain sensor was derived based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis and strain testing. The dynamic response of the sensor on a vibrating beam was simulated using numerical analysis and it was compared with experimental test. The simulation showed good agreement with the strain response of the actual sensor.