A New Metglas Sensor

This paper presents a new type of sensor, one that may be used in the manner of a standard strain gage. The sensor is constructed of a relatively new material, a metallic glass-like substance called Metglas. A change in stress in the magnetoelastic Metglas manifests itself as a change in the magnetic properties of the material. This change in magnetic properties may be measured electronically. The sensor operates on this principal and outputs a dc signal proportional to the stress. The results demonstrate a sensor that does not require the great amplification of a resistance-type strain gage. This is primarily due to a sensitivity almost two orders of magnitude greater than a standard strain gage.