Mechanoluminescence intensity ratio-based two-dimensional plane impact force detection method

Abstract

This paper proposes a mechanoluminescence (ML) intensity ratio-based two-dimensional plane impact force detection method. Compared to absolute light intensity measurement methods, this approach offers better resistance to environmental interference while enabling the identification of two-dimensional plane stress distribution and impact point localization. Using ZnS: Cu²⁺ and ZnS: Mn²⁺ mechanoluminescent materials along with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a mechanoluminescent flexible thin film was prepared. An image-based experimental platform for detecting the impact force of a steel ball was constructed. Two cameras were used to capture images of the peak wavelength bands of the two luminescent materials, respectively. The relationship between the grayscale value ratios of the peak wavelength images of these two mechanoluminescent materials and the impact velocity and impact force was established. The impact force distribution was successfully obtained through fist impact experiments, showing the impact forces of various knuckles on the flexible thin film and demonstrating the feasibility of this impact force detection method. This ML intensity ratio-based two-dimensional plane impact force detection method has broad application prospects in aerospace, military engineering, sports science, automotive safety testing, and industrial equipment safety.