A novel calibration method based on Kirchhoff theory for piezoelectric dynamometer

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to improve calibration and force measurement accuracy of multi-sensors’ piezoelectric dynamometer used in thrust measurement of rocket/air vehicle engine. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents a mapping solution method of sensors’ outputs based on the Kirchhoff thin plate theory, builds force-deformation differential equations with specific boundary conditions, uses finite difference (FD) method to solve the equations and analyzes outputs in offset loading forces in four-sensor square layout in main direction. The resultant force deviations calculated by the Kirchhoff theory are optimized with sequence quadratic program (SQP) method, and a calibration method of multiple loading points (MLP) based on the Kirchhoff theory is presented. Experiments of static calibration and verification are complemented to contrast the novel and single loading point (SLP) calibration method. Findings Experiments of static calibration and its verification show that at a loading force of 5,000N, the average resultant force deviations with MLP is 17.87N (0.35% FS) compared with single loading point method 26.45N (0.53% FS), improving calibration and measurement precision. Originality value A novel calibration method with MLP is presented. Force distributions of multiple sensors of main direction in piezoelectric dynamometer with offset loading force are solved with the Kirchhoff theory. The resultant force deviations calculated by Kirchhoff theory are optimized with the SQP method.