Measuring strain in automotive engines Investigating the failure of quartz crystal based sensors used for strain measurement on rotating machinery. The Challenge Diced quartz wafers are a critical component of Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) devices which are used to measure strain on the rotating parts of automotive and marine engines. These devices could potentially find wider industrial application but minute surface defects on the quartz can lead to cracking and eventually fracturing, thus reducing their reliability. The Solution A joint research project between NPL, Crane Electronics Ltd, Sensor Technology Ltd and Transense Technologies plc, was undertaken to investigate fracturing and attempt to minimise the risk. It combined NPL's strengths in adhesives and measurement techniques with t

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