Published online by Cambridge University Press: 22 August 2013
The study aims at examining the behaviour of electromagnetic actuator as inductivesensor. The electromagnets are integrated in an alternative Wheatstone bridge and poweredwith alternative tension. This circuit allows the measurement of the electromagnetinductance variation, and as this variation is a function of the air gap, the displacementcan be deduced. The effect of eddy currents is assessed in order to choose the suitablebridge frequency. Finally, a demodulator is used to obtain the tension proportional to theair gap value. The behaviour is assessed experimentally. Experiments are carried out on asimple beam; clamped at one end and simply supported at the other. The displacements couldbe measured by using four eddy current sensors and the inductive sensor. The inductivesensor displacement and a modal approximation of the four eddy current sensors resultingfrom impact testing are compared. Analysis of the results obtained predicts an efficientand robust behaviour.