Simulation of Circular-Shaped PZT-5H Sensor for Train Measurement Using COMSOL Multiphysics

Abstract

Simulation of circular piezoelectric sensor for detection of sound pressure inside the rail tracks are investigated and compared with rectangular shaped designs. In the modern era of technological advance world, it is required to implement new ideas. This paper is presenting the new way of detecting train on tracks by measuring the sound waves inside rail tracks. The sound waves are induced inside the railway tracks due to the rolling noise. These longitudinal acoustic wave travels inside railway tracks with a speed of 5960 m/s, which is 17× faster than the speed of sound in air and may be used for actuating barriers and other warning devices at level crossings. As the output of piezoelectric sensor is voltage signal, it may also be used as energy harvesting device and this stored energy may be used to deliver the power to electronics circuit associated with sensor. Different circular piezoelectric (lead zirconate titanate 5H) sensors are investigated using simulations in COMSOL. The results of these simulations are used to find out the optimized solution for detection of pressure inside the rail tracks.