MAGNETOSTRICTIVE SENSOR TECHNOLOGY AND ITS APPLICATIONS

The magnetostrictive sensor (MsS) is a type of transducer which can ge nerate and detect time-varying stresses or strains in ferromagnetic ma terials. In this paper, a general description is first given of the ph ysical principles of the MsS, sensor configuration and instrumentation , and operating characteristics and capabilities. Then a description i s given of its various scientific and engineering applications, includ ing the study of wave dispersion in structures, global and long-range inspection of steel pipes and tubes, condition monitoring of machinery such as combustion engines, and onboard sensing of crash events for v ehicle safety system operations. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.