| Abstract: | The various technologies presented herein relate to a sensor for
measurement of high forces and/or high load shock rate(s), whereby the
sensor utilizes silicon as the sensing element. A plate of Si can have a
thinned region formed therein on which can be formed a number of traces
operating as a Wheatstone bridge. The brittle Si can be incorporated into
a layered structure comprising ductile and/or compliant materials. The
sensor can have a washer-like configuration which can be incorporated
into a nut and bolt configuration, whereby tightening of the nut and bolt
can facilitate application of a compressive preload upon the sensor. Upon
application of an impact load on the bolt, the compressive load on the
sensor can be reduced (e.g., moves towards zero-load), however the
magnitude of the preload can be such that the load on the sensor does not
translate to tensile stress being applied to the sensor. |