Contact-less Magneto-Elastic Torsional Sensor based on Phase-Shift Measurements

We report on the development of a contactless measurement technique for torsional shear stress τ in ferromagnetic axles or hollow shafts, based on the magneto-elastic effect. In general two different measuring principles for ferromagnetic materials can be realised, based on: the evaluation of the change of magnetic polarisation influenced by mechanical stress ΔJ(τ ) or, the change of the magnetic susceptibility ΔχA(τ). The comprehension of the magnetic polarisation or the magnetic susceptibility in a sensor concept requires an external magnetic field. Preferably alternating magnetic fields were used as mechanical stress can disturb the amplitude but also the phase distribution of the applied magnetic field. As a result of a torsional moment acting on an axle or hollow shaft an angle of twist η appears, which is constant over the length of the twisted object. This angle of twist can be understood as a shift of infinitesimal thin cross-sections in which the whole length of the axle is separated. Beside the macroscopic deformation effect, shear forces taking also effect on the Weiss domains in the microscale of the ferromagnetic material. The effects in the microscale are the base of the magneto-eleastic effect. The combination of the deformation effect in the macro-scale with the deformation of the Weiss domains in the microscale leading to a sophisticated measurement principle for torsional stress in axles or hollow shafts. Magneto-sensitive detectors along or around the measurement object open the possibility for a contactless detection of torsional stress in ferromagnetic materials. Beside a strong measuring signal, free from electromagnetic interference, the introduced contactless measurement principle offers different advantages, like an independence from compression strength, nominal tensile stress, impact load, ferromagnetic hysteresis effects and an independence from the temperature dependent electrical conductivity of the axle or hollow shaft. The characteristics of such a type of sensor are analysed by an electrotechnical model based on Maxwells equations. Beside the chosen design of a contactless torsion sensor and an experimental set-up, the obtained test results are illustrated and reported in the present paper.