Applications of a constant flux magnetostrictive impact sensor as an engine mount energy harvester and side impact sensor are presented and their operation is discussed. An optimization method is developed and appropriate objective functions are created for each application. Optimization results are presented including a power output increase of the engine mount energy harvester of 65% and a decrease in response time of the side impact sensor to impact events while also decreasing sensor output to non-impact events.

A constant flux magnetostrictive impact sensor is presented along with a discussion of prior applications and previous work on modeling of magnetostrictive sensors. A constant flux magnetostrictive impact sensor, which uses a permanent magnet, is modeled and the system in which it operates is overviewed. A detailed analytical model of the operation of the constant flux magnetostrictive impact sensor is developed. Prototype sensors were tested in both dynamic gap and magnetostrictive modes of operation. The model is validated through comparison of modeling and experimental results.