Title :
MEMS-Integrated Load Cell for Measuring Pressure, Erosion, and Deposition in Dynamic Environmental Flows
Author :
Hobby, M.J. ; Thomas, R.E. ; Gascoyne, M. ; Parsons, D.R. ; Keevil, G.M. ; Peakall, J. ; Carrivick, J.L.
Author_Institution :
Sch. of Earth & Environ., Univ. of Leeds, Leeds, UK
Abstract :
A microelectromechanical system-based load cell is integrated with signal conditioning circuitry, temperature, and tilt sensors for measurement of sediment-fluid interaction and flow under turbulent conditions. Such an instrument has potential value for quantifying geophysical flows and sediment dynamics within a range of environments. Sensor sensitivity is tested to a mass of 0.5 g but can be shown theoretically to extend to 50 mg. The sensor is found to have no attenuation of frequencies up to 2.5 Hz and would therefore be suitable for monitoring turbulent flow. Laboratory flume experiments, simulating a dam burst, demonstrate the applicability of the sensor for measuring highly dynamic and transient flow phenomena in unprecedented detail.
Keywords :
dams; environmental monitoring (geophysics); erosion; flow measurement; flow sensors; geomorphology; geophysical fluid dynamics; hydrological equipment; microsensors; pressure measurement; pressure sensors; sediments; signal conditioning circuits; temperature sensors; turbulence; MEMS-integrated load cell; dam burst simulation; deposition measurement; dynamic environmental flows; dynamic flow phenomena; erosion measurement; flow measurement; geophysical flows; laboratory flume experiments; microelectromechanical system-based load cell; pressure measurement; sediment dynamics; sediment-fluid interaction measurement; sensor sensitivity; signal conditioning circuitry; temperature sensors; tilt sensors; turbulent conditions; turbulent flow monitoring; Bridge circuits; Instruments; Micromechanical devices; Noise; Sediments; Temperature measurement; Temperature sensors; Environmental monitoring; erosion; flood; flow; load cell; microelectromechanical system;
Journal_Title :
Sensors Journal, IEEE
DOI :
10.1109/JSEN.2012.2217953
