Embedded Smart Elastomers in Rubber for Dynamic Load Estimation in Rolling Lobe Pneumatic Systems

Embedded Smart Elastomers in Rubber for Dynamic Load Estimation in Rolling Lobe Pneumatic Systems | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Embedded Smart Elastomers in Rubber for Dynamic Load Estimation in Rolling Lobe Pneumatic Systems Md Jarir Hossain, Shahba Tasmiya Mouna, Sarath Suresh Kamath, and 4 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7767783/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Rolling lobe pneumatic systems are critical in automotive dynamic applications, ensuring load management and vibration damping for enhanced vehicle safety and comfort. This study investigates the development and performance of an embedded ionic liquid (IL)-based smart elastomer sensor for monitoring load distribution in a rubber component of pneumatic systems. The sensor, embedded into the rubber component, was designed to convert dynamic load variations into corresponding voltage signals, enabling the monitoring of system behavior. A fabrication process was developed to ensure seamless integration while maintaining sensor durability and flexibility under operational conditions. Experimental evaluations included tests across varying loading frequencies, displacements, and cycle numbers. Results demonstrated consistent and repeatable sensor responses at lower frequencies and moderate displacements. However, repeatability was affected at higher frequencies due to insufficient relaxation time for the elastomeric material between cycles. The findings highlight the potential of IL-based sensors for integration into dynamic systems, offering reliable load monitoring capabilities. This research provides a foundation for future work to improve sensor performance, explore multi-taxel configurations, and implement data-driven Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) strategies in automotive and industrial applications. By enhancing predictive maintenance and ensuring system reliability, sensor technology advances the field of smart elastomer applications in load monitoring. Mechanical Engineering Air-spring Sensor Health monitoring Smart elastomers Tactile sensing Dynamic load Full Text Additional Declarations The authors declare no competing interests. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-7767783","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":523887292,"identity":"7389a30e-a8e8-4cf8-81b3-33490deddc74","order_by":0,"name":"Md Jarir Hossain","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of Akron","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Md","middleName":"Jarir","lastName":"Hossain","suffix":""},{"id":523887293,"identity":"91b6d9a4-c667-41db-b9ee-5783f690df20","order_by":1,"name":"Shahba Tasmiya Mouna","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of 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This study investigates the development and performance of an embedded ionic liquid (IL)-based smart elastomer sensor for monitoring load distribution in a rubber component of pneumatic systems. The sensor, embedded into the rubber component, was designed to convert dynamic load variations into corresponding voltage signals, enabling the monitoring of system behavior. A fabrication process was developed to ensure seamless integration while maintaining sensor durability and flexibility under operational conditions. Experimental evaluations included tests across varying loading frequencies, displacements, and cycle numbers. Results demonstrated consistent and repeatable sensor responses at lower frequencies and moderate displacements. However, repeatability was affected at higher frequencies due to insufficient relaxation time for the elastomeric material between cycles. 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