A Novel Flexible Sensor for Recording Temporal Shock Wave Displacement in Explosion Field

Shock velocity is an essential physical parameter in blast wave and detonation wave tests. Typical electrical, optical, and imaging methods can cover many testing scenarios including shock tube, on-site explosions, and detonation process. In order to reduce the reaction pressure threshold and the impact on flow field, compared to existing measurement methods, we present a novel flexible sensor to record the temporal displacement of shock wavefront based on minute beam structure and continuous resistance measurement method. Benefit by flexible printed circuit (FPC) and common magnetron sputtering (CMS) technology, the designed sensor is very thin and has a total thickness of approximately
$80~\mu $
m, which has small impact on shock wave flow field and can be applied to the surface of application scenarios. The conduction needed pressure threshold of the designed sensor is measured as low as 0.2269 MPa to satisfy some low-pressure environment. The designed sensor and its measurement system conditioned by Howland current source can reflect the local temporal displacement of surface reflection and Mach shock wave in higher resolution. We hope the designed sensor can expand the application field of sensors based on continuous resistance, which will contribute to the analysis of shock wave flow fields and the study of local flow characteristics on structural surfaces.