Research on the decoupling method of structure strain measurement based on PVDF sensors array

PVDF film sensors have been regarded as a promising alternative to traditional resistance strain gauges in applications where only dynamic signals are of interest. However, transverse sensitivity of a PVDF sensor is higher than that of a resistance strain gauge, which make it more difficult to isolate a particular strain component. In this paper, a test method based on PVDF sensors array was proposed, which was used for measuring the bend strain of cantilever beam structure. In order to prove the correctness of this test method, both impact experiment and finite element analysis were carried out. In the impact test, the signal of the PVDF and the traditional resistance strain gauge signals were compared each other to verify the ability of PVDF sensors array are able to measure a bending strain component of interest.