Keywords
Citation
(2002), "Ceramic sensors", Sensor Review, Vol. 22 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2002.08722bab.003
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2002, MCB UP Limited
Ceramic sensors
Keywords: Automotive, Ceramics, Sensors
After engineers gave up the idea of building ceramic engines, the industry more or less stopped talking about the use of ceramics in automotive design, according to engineers at CeramTecAG in Plochingen, Germany. The company is a supplier of advanced ceramics.
But high-performance ceramics, especially piezoceramics, are still in use in automotive engineering and their use could grow, according to CeramTec.
The piezoceramic sensors from CeramTec play a role as knocking sensors in cars, ensuring the best combustion possible. The ceramic emits an electrical signal as soon as pressure is applied to it. This characteristic makes it suitable for a large number of new applications, according to the engineers. One application is as an alternative to electropneumatic valves. Due to its response characteristics and precise regulation, piezoceramic material can be used to adjust antilock braking system, diesel or fuel- injection valves. The amount of fuel to be injected can be precisely metered, improving combustion and, thus, the environmental impact of the engine.