Overview of Magnetostrictive Sensor Technology

TLDR

Interest in magnetostrictive sensor technology has grown as sensors are integrated into more applications, leveraging the efficient coupling between elastic and magnetic states to sense various quantities. The paper compares and contrasts magnetostrictive sensor configurations regarding application, sensitivity, and implementation. The authors describe magnetic and magnetostrictive theory, passive, active, and combined sensing configurations, and compare them to other common sensor types. Experimental and modeling results, along with configuration schematics, are presented where available.

Abstract

As sensors become integrated in more applications, interest in magnetostrictive sensor technology has blossomed. Magnetostrictive sensors take advantage of the efficient coupling between the elastic and magnetic states of a material to facilitate sensing a quantity of interest. Magnetic and magnetostrictive theory pertinent to magnetostrictive sensor technology is provided. Sensing configurations are based on the utilization of a magnetostrictive element in a passive, active, or combined mode. Magnetostrictive sensor configurations that measure motion, stress or force, torque, magnetic fields, target characteristics, and miscellaneous effects are discussed. The configurations are compared and contrasted in terms of application, sensitivity, and implementation issues. Comparisons are made to other common sensor configurations as appropriate. Experimental and modeling results are described when available and schematics of the configurations are presented.