Viscosity sensing using a Love-wave device

Abstract

In this contribution we report an effective way of measuring the viscosity of liquids by using a microacoustic Love-wave device. Love-wave devices provide one of the highest sensitivities among microacoustic devices and they are moreover well suited for liquid-sensing applications. We discuss the possibility of viscosity sensing with Love-wave devices using the viscosity-induced damping and velocity change of the wave. We present experimental results together with a suitable electronic sensor set-up which also allows us to determine whether the test liquid is actually measured in the Newtonian range. © 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.