Carbon nanocomposite-based contact mode interdigitated center of pressure sensor

A carbon nanocomposite-based contact mode interdigitated center of pressure sensor (CMIPS) has been developed. The experimental study demonstrated that the CMIPS has the capability to measure the overall pressure as well as the center of pressure in one dimension, simultaneously. A theoretical model for the CMIPS is established here based on the equivalent circuit of the CMIPS configuration as well as the material properties of the sensor. The experimental results match well with the theoretical modeling predictions. This theoretical model will provide guidelines for future advanced sensor development based on the CMIPS. A system mapped with two or more pieces of the CMIPS can be used to obtain information from the pressure distribution in multi-dimensions. As an intelligent system component, the inexpensive CMIPS can be used broadly for improving sensing and control capabilities of aircraft and measurement capabilities of biomedical research as well as chemical industries.