This paper describes an optical sensor system based on the technique of laser speckle photometry (LSP) for the application of stress characterization and defect detection in ceramics. The purpose of the research is to develop an in-line inspection solution for the industrial field. The preliminary results show that the LSP technique has the potential to fulfill the task.

In a very specific way, this research paper shows how established systems – in this case a commercial soot sensor for the automotive sector – can be optimized by diving deep into the basic research. The approach here is to link macroscopic observations or signal behavior with processes taking place on the atomic level. Taking these fundamental processes into account, the sensor's specific response time could be shortened effectively by a change in operating strategy – without any design changes.

Distributed fiber optic strain measurement based on Rayleigh scattering enables the monitoring of strain along the entire fiber length and the possibility of integration into material matrices. In this article, optical fibers were integrated into the concrete matrix of small prisms to measure the deformation by drying. In comparison with a reference measuring method, the losses of strain transfer were measured. The analysis shows a high correlation between the reference method and the fiber.

For the determination of the refractive index of the lubricant used in the sheet-bulk metal forming process, a lubricant thin-film thickness standard was developed which represents a continuous measuring range from 6 to 100 μm. To determine the refractive index, the thin-film thickness standard was measured with a coaxial interferometric measurement system in various thickness ranges. The results show changing optical properties with increasing layer thickness.

The paper deals with the proposal of a new obstruction flowmeter (cone type) characterized by an improved geometry. Compared with a standard geometry cone flowmeter, the proposed one ensures better performance in terms of a higher discharge coefficient and less permanent pressure drops. Additionally, several experimental tests and numerical simulations have been performed to compare the overall performance granted by both flowmeters, endorsing the superiority of the proposed solution.

Multi-component sensors for force and moment are commonly used in different areas as robotics, crash tests or material testing. The dynamic behaviour of such sensors may differ significantly from the static behaviour. To analyse the dynamic characteristics, we developed an improved test set-up for periodic excitation. It consists of an electrodynamic shaker, adapting elements and different acceleration references. The first experiments show good results for periodic excitation up to 1000 Hz.

We compared the temperature, relative humidity, total volatile organic compounds, carbon dioxide equivalents, and fine particulate matter measurements from Foobot to highly accurate instruments. The results suggest that Foobot offers a relatively low-cost and straightforward solution for identifying high pollutant exposures with potential health risks and for providing data at high granularity. Foobot characteristics make it a useful tool to evaluate occupant pollutant exposure.

Wood-log- and wood-chip-fuelled low-power combustion systems emit high amounts of uncombusted gaseous components like CO and particulate matter. Emissions can be effectively reduced by optimized combustion process control using high-temperature gas sensors. The sensing behaviour of gas sensors for continuous analysis of uncombusted components and their long-term stability have been studied. The sensor signals are used to improve the combustion process control and to monitor combustion quality.

Fibre optic sensors are excellent tools for monitoring (with) high-voltage current collectors. They are easily integrated into the collector strip and specialized for detection of events like hits on the strip. The sensing system can be used in regular trains and make monitoring of the overhead contact line routine, which is done "along the way", helping not only to prevent accidents by small intruders, but also allowing the prediction of wear and is used to optimize service and repair cycles.

An FEM model is used to improve the sensor design of a Tian–Calvet calorimeter. By modifying the basic part of the sensor (a sensor disc based on low temperature co-fired ceramics), the sensitivity was increased by a factor of 3. The model was validated and the sensors were calibrated. Indium and tin samples were measured. The melting temperatures show a deviation of 0.2 K while the enthalpy was measured with a precision better than 1 %. The values for tin deviate by less than 2 % from literature.

Piezoelectric devices are characterized non-destructively to ensure their functionality. The material is heated by laser diodes. The resulting temperature changes lead to a pyroelectric current. Analytical and numerical finite element models describe the temperature distribution and the current in frequency and time domain. Modelling and experimental results are compared for piezoelectric plates and integrated sensors and actuators.

In this paper we present a systematic method to determine sets of close-to-optimal sensor calibration points for a polynomial approximation.For each set of calibration points a polynomial is used to fit the nonlinear sensor response to the calibration reference. The polynomial parameters are calculated using ordinary least square fit. In an experiment, barometric MEMS pressure sensors are calibrated using the proposed calibration method at several temperatures and pressures.

All-solid-state reference electrodes were developed based on particles of graphite/silver/silver chloride synthesized by electroless deposition of metallic silver and silver chloride on graphite powder. These electrodes were not sensitive to abrasion, redox species, pH and high-pressure saturated steam, and were applied successfully in potentiometric cells to measure pH and potassium ions in a complex matrix by direct potentiometry and L-ascorbic acid by potentiometric titration.