NON-CONTACT MAGNETOSTRICTIVE CURRENT SENSOR

摘要

A non-contact, current sensor includes a gapped magnetic core configured to circumscribe a current carrying conductor. A magnetostrictive element is mechanically coupled to the gapped magnetic core. Current flowing in the current carrying conductor induces a magnetic field in the magnetic core that flows through the magnetostrictive element. The gapped magnetic core is provided with mounting sections to which the magnetostrictive element is mechanically coupled. The mounting sections have a geometry that increases magnetic flux in the magnetostrictive element. A strain gauge is mechanically coupled to the magnetostrictive element to measure displacement in the element induced by the magnetic flux.

主权项

1. A magnetostrictive current sensor comprising:
a magnetic core configured to surround a current carrying conductor, said magnetic core including a gap disposed between first and second mounting sections, the first mounting section having a cross sectional area that decreases in the direction of the magnetic field and the second mounting section having a cross sectional area that increases in the direction of the magnetic field, each mounting section including a generally planar mounting surface; a magnetostrictive element disposed in a path of a magnetic field generated by said current carrying conductor and mechanically coupled to the mounting surfaces; and a strain gauge mechanically coupled to said magnetostrictive element.