Multi-scale modeling of flexible piezoresistive porous sensors

Abstract

We introduce a comprehensive theoretical modeling approach for flexible piezoresistive porous structure sensors from both macro and micro perspectives. A resistive model is developed based on the effect of electron tunneling. To accurately capture the deformation characteristics of the sensor during compression, an ultra-elastic compressible constitutive model is adopted for analysis, allowing for a detailed examination of the deformation behavior during the compression process. Additionally, the influence of initial porosity and deformation sensitivity on the sensor’s compression performance parameters is explored. The theoretical results were also verified by comparison with the experimental data with an error of about 7.9%. Furthermore, a finite element model based on ultra-elastic theory is constructed, and the simulation results show strong agreement with the theoretical predictions, further demonstrating the model’s validity.