Prototypes of two new sensors for measuring abdominal compression of ATDs have been developed. One sensor uses multiple Hall sensors, arranged in a strip, to compute the deflection. Each Hall sensor produces output which is a function of the relative angle between it and an associated magnet. The second sensor is based on commercially available flexible resistive strips. The strips produce a voltage drop proportional to the average curvature within the strip.
Procedures and fixtures for calibrating both types of sensors were developed. Software was developed to estimate the contour of the 2 dimensional curve computed from the output of the sensors at a specified time. The deflection time history was obtained from the deformation of the curve in time.
The paper discusses the basic design of the sensors, calibration procedures, and results from tests using different deformable forms, including an ATD abdomen. Impacts with both a disk and a horizontal rod were performed. Comparison of the results of the displacements obtained from the sensors and external measurements using an LVDT are presented.