Modelling and Simulation of Target Temperature Effect on Eddy Current Sensing: Toward Concurrent Displacement and Temperature Estimation

Abstract: Target temperature effect on eddy current displacement sensing is modelled, analysed and evaluated by simulation. The equivalent target quality factor is detected as the main factor that, along with the eddy current displacement probe equivalent quality factor, determines this effect. It manifests in ambiguity of displacement measurement, as well as, masking the displacement variation by target temperature variation, and vice versa. The analysis and the simulation show that there is an optimal operating frequency for minimum sensitivity over an acceptable displacement range. The effect can be used for concurrent non-contact estimate of displacement and target temperature with acceptable error less than 5 %.

Keywords: Modelling and simulation, target temperature effect, eddy-current displacement sensing, displacement and temperature estimation.