Grid-based spatially-resolved strain measurement in highly stretchable conductive elastomers

This work addresses a grid-based approach to spatially resolved strain measurement with a fiberelastomer composite. The grid-based method uses a network of conductive textile electrodes embedded in a soft elastomer matrix to detect strain through changes in electrical resistance. In contrast to electrical impedance tomography, which is challenging to use considering large deformation and consequently moving electrodes, gridbased approaches are more resistant to changing boundary conditions. However, the cross-talk between electrodes is disadvantageous. Therefore, an application-specific electronic system based on the zero potential circuit (ZPC) method is implemented. This drastically reduces crosstalk while allowing for short acquisition times. The simple electrode configuration and direct resistance measurement method of the grid-based system provides a straightforward yet effective way to capture strain or pressure and is therefore particularly suitable for applications requiring spatial resolution and robustness under various mechanical conditions. The electronics are set up to allow evaluation of fiber-elastomer composites with varying levels of conductivity or sensing geometries during high strain tensile testing.