Influence of Frequency on the Resolution of Magnetostrictive Bio-Inspired Whisker Sensors

Abstract

Magnetostrictive biomimetic whiskers have been used as tactile and flow sensors. Compared to other types of whiskers, such whiskers have the advantage of being able to perform static and dynamic measurements. For dynamic measurement, the whisker’s resolution changes with varying vibration frequency; however, the mechanism for this influence has not been studied yet. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the resolution–frequency correlation. First, the structure and operation principle of the whisker were analyzed. Then, the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory was employed to establish the sensing model of the magnetostrictive whisker. Finally, the mapping relationship between sensor resolution and frequency was obtained. The eigenfrequency analysis was implemented by FEM to obtain the frequency response of the whisker. A vibration experimental system was built for dynamic testing. The experimental results were in good agreement with the theoretical calculations. Furthermore, it was noted that the resolution was positively correlated with frequency, and the maximum resolution was attained at the natural frequency (two peak values appeared at the first-order and second-order eigenfrequencies). Our research reveals the manner in which a whisker sensor’s resolution is affected by the vibration frequency. The theoretical model can be used to predict the resolution of magnetostrictive whisker sensors.