Ionic polymer metallic composite as wearable impact sensor for sport science Online publication date: Thu, 06-May-2010
by H.H. Chen, S.C. Fang, K.C. Aw
International Journal of Biomechatronics and Biomedical Robotics (IJBBR), Vol. 1, No. 2, 2010
Abstract: Ionic polymer metallic composite (IPMC) is a type of ionic electroactive polymer that has electromechanical property that can be used as actuators or sensors. IPMC sensors offer several advantages over conventional sensors; such as flexibility, conformability and durability are useful for impact sensing. The aim of the paper is to demonstrate the ability of IPMC as an impact sensor to be used in sport science. The ability to measure impact force or energy is important in sport science as this information can be used to improve athletes' performances. In this research, experiments were conducted for different impact energies and a mathematical model based on the impact sensor's output voltage spike's slope was developed. Testing using this model demonstrated that the accuracy of the measured impact energy is mostly within ±10% although an error of up to 25% was observed at low impact energies.
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Biomechatronics and Biomedical Robotics (IJBBR):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:
Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.
If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com
Our Blog 
Follow us on Twitter 
Visit us on Facebook