Development of amplifier circuit by active-dummy method for atmospheric corrosion monitoring in steel based on strain measurement

Abstract

This paper describes an amplifier circuit fabricated by the active-dummy method for atmospheric corrosion monitoring based on strain measurement. The circuit was used to determine the relationship between the voltage and strain. Experiments involving the thickness reduction of low-carbon steel test pieces induced by galvanostatic electrolysis were carried out with the amplifier circuit. The circuit was capable of accurately measuring signals induced by the thickness reduction of the test piece. Moreover, the circuit was assessed for the effects of environmental temperature drift, and was found to exhibit a high tolerance. The proposed amplifier circuit would be suitable for atmospheric corrosion monitoring in many types of infrastructure.