Abstract
The instrumented test system and the analysis for a novel tactile sensor are proposed to examine the material characteristic parameters on the basis of the indentation contact mechanics. A conjugate twin-strain-gage attached to the inner surface of a spherical glass-bowl-indenter senses in a differential manner the contact stress distribution beneath the indenter, and then allows to characterize the mechanical properties of the material indented. The conjugate strain gages are utilized for setting the contact point in alignment with the 1st strain-gage. The indentation contact tests are conducted for different materials including brittle ceramics, ductile metals, elastoplastic woods and polymer. The test results suggest the potential applications of this tactile sensor to the mechanical characterizations of materials as well as an alignment of the contact.
