Name: Muhammad Hanzallah

Course: Measurement and Instrumentation

Assignment: Enumerate and explain two mechanical Applications
each of Piezoelectric, Capacitive, and Inductive transducers.

1.Piezoelectric Transducers:
A piezoelectric transducer is a device that converts changes in physical quantities such as
pressure, acceleration, or force into an electrical charge or voltage. It operates on the principle
of the piezoelectric effect, which refers to the ability of certain materials to generate an electric
charge in response to mechanical stress or deformation.

Applications Of Piezoelectric Transducer:

Applications Of Piezoelectric Transducer are mentioned below with their working principles.

1.1 Impact Hammers:

Impact hammers with piezoelectric transducers are employed to study the response of
structures to dynamic forces or impact force measurement in crash testing

Working Principle:
The impact hammer contains a piezoelectric material. Upon striking an object, the mechanical
stress induces a deformation, resulting in the separation of positive and negative charges. This
charge separation generates a voltage, which is proportional to the force of the impact.
1.2 Speed Measurement in Turbines:
Piezoelectric sensors in turbine speed measurement capitalize on the piezoelectric effect,
converting mechanical vibrations induced by rotating turbine blades into electrical signals. This
application is critical for controlling and monitoring the performance of turbines in power
plants

Working Principle:
In turbines, the rotating blades generate mechanical vibrations as they spin. Piezoelectric
sensors are strategically placed on or near the turbine blades to capture these vibrations. As the
blades rotate, they induce mechanical stress on the piezoelectric material within the sensor.
This stress leads to the generation of an electric charge, creating electrical signals
corresponding to the turbine's rotational speed.

2. Capacitive transducers
Capacitive transducers utilize changes in capacitance to measure physical quantities such as
pressure, temperature, proximity, and humidity. Consisting of two conductive plates separated
by a dielectric, alterations in the physical parameter influence the capacitance by modifying
the distance between plates or dielectric properties. This change is translated into an electrical
signal, enabling applications like proximity sensing in touchscreens, pressure measurement
using diaphragms, temperature sensing via dielectric properties, and humidity measurement.
Capacitive transducers are prized for their non-contact sensing capability, high sensitivity, and
versatility in various fields.
2.1 Gap Measurements in Machining processes:
Capacitive sensors play a crucial role in gap measurement during machining processes by
detecting variations in capacitance between two electrodes separated by a dielectric material.
Positioned near the cutting tool, these sensors monitor the gap between the tool and the
workpiece. As the cutting tool approaches the workpiece, the gap changes, influencing the
capacitance due to alterations in the electric field caused by the introduction of the dielectric
(air or another material). The capacitive sensor precisely senses these changes, converting them
into electrical signals. This real-time feedback on gap distance ensures optimal conditions for
machining, preventing tool breakage, enhancing precision, and contributing to the overall
quality of machined products.

2.2 Liquid Level Sensing in Tanks:

Capacitive sensors are utilized for liquid level sensing in industrial tanks. As the liquid level
changes, the capacitance between the sensor electrodes and the liquid varies, providing
accurate measurements for inventory management.

Working principle:
Capacitive liquid level sensors function by exploiting changes in capacitance between sensor
electrodes and a dielectric material, typically air or the liquid being measured. In an empty
tank, the baseline capacitance is established. As the liquid level rises, it interacts with the
electrodes, altering the dielectric constant and subsequently changing the capacitance. This
change is converted into an electrical signal, reflecting the liquid level. Calibrated for accuracy,
the sensor's output is utilized for applications like inventory management, controlling industrial
processes, and ensuring the proper functioning of systems dependent on precise liquid level
measurements.
 3.Inductive Transducers:
Inductive transducers are devices that convert a change in a physical quantity into an electrical
signal using the principle of electromagnetic induction. The basic working principle involves
the generation of an electromotive force (EMF) or voltage in a coil when it is exposed to a
changing magnetic field. In inductive transducers, this coil is often the primary component.
When the physical quantity being measured, such as displacement, velocity, or force, causes a
magnetic field to change, it induces a voltage in the coil. This induced voltage is proportional
to the rate of change of the magnetic field, and thus, it becomes a measure of the physical
quantity. Inductive transducers find applications in various fields, including position sensing,
speed measurement etc.

3.1 Conveyor Belt Speed Control:

In conveyor belt speed control applications, inductive sensors play a vital role by detecting the
rotational speed of a metallic gear or target attached to the moving conveyor system.

Working Principle:
The inductive sensor generates a magnetic field, and as the metallic element rotates, it disrupts
the magnetic field, inducing changes in the sensor's inductance. The rate of these changes is
directly proportional to the speed of the rotating metal target. The inductive sensor translates
these variations in inductance into electrical signals, providing real-time feedback on the
conveyor belt's speed. This information is then utilized by the control system to regulate the
speed of the conveyor, ensuring optimal and consistent material handling throughout the
system. The non-contact nature of inductive sensors makes them suitable for reliable and
precise speed measurements in conveyor applications.
3.2 Linear Inductive Displacement Sensors in Robotics.
Linear inductive displacement sensors play a significant role in robotics, especially in
applications where precise and continuous measurement of linear position is crucial. These
sensors are employed to monitor the movement of robot components along a linear path,
providing essential feedback for control and navigation.

Working Principle:
The working principle involves the interaction between an inductive sensor and a metallic
target attached to the moving part of the robot. As the robot moves, the distance between the
sensor and the metallic target changes, altering the inductance in the sensor's coil. This change
in inductance is then converted into an electrical signal that corresponds to the linear
displacement. In robotics, this information is utilized for tasks such as position control,
collision avoidance, and ensuring accurate movement, contributing to the overall precision and
efficiency of robotic systems.