High Temperature Piezoelectric Sensor for Measuring Force, Acceleration, and Pressure (308)

The University of Dayton Research Institute has developed a piezoelectric sensor that can operate at higher temperatures than currently available technology.  The active element in the transducer is a polycrystalline ceramic film which has no known Curie point.  It is similar to quartz in that it is structurally piezoelectric and does not require poling.

The transducer material has been proven to be piezoelectric, for extended periods, at temperatures exceeding 1150°C.  Demonstration sensors have been constructed and used at temperatures in excess of 400°C for measuring force and pressure.  This temperature range will be significantly extended as improved prototypes are developed and tested. UDRI anticipates applications including:

• Force measurement in materials processing
• Pressure measurement in injection molding and die casting
• Sensors for gas turbine engines
• Elevated temperature acceleration measurement
• Elevated temperature pressure measurements
• Improved knock sensors for internal combustion engines

Provisional Patent Application No. 60/232,484 filed September 13, 2000.

For more information, please contact the Office for Technology Partnerships at 937-229-3515.

Return to Technologies Available for Licensing.