Evaluating a Graphite-Aluminum Composite for Traffic Detection Sensors

Undergraduate #423
Discipline: Technology and Engineering
Subcategory: Materials Science

Amara Kouyate - Benedict College
Co-Author(s): Gurcan Comert and Samuel Darko, Benedict College, Columbia, SC

The installation of current loop detectors require cutting and installation of wiring under the pavement. Consequently, traffic is put on hold during the process which costs high work hours, fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions, and possible damage to the structure of the pavement layer that will require maintenance in the future. The purpose of this research was to fabricate and evaluate a conductive and sustainable loop detection system as alternative to traditional detection systems. A traffic detection sensor was fabricated using a crafted aluminum mesh covered with graphite powder and school glue mixture. The obtained sample was tested for conductivity and magnetic field properties. Electricity was applied at various levels to test conductivity, then magnetic field was tested at different voltages. Time series data of magnetic field was recorded using a smartphone application as magnetic field detector, and actuation (e.g., vehicle passage/presence) were detected utilizing change point/pattern recognition algorithms. The influence area (sample portion where electricity was applied) showed a constant and steady magnetic field when 1.5 to 6 volt electricity is applied. The resulting actuation time was observed to be 2.3 seconds with a travel time over the sample of 4.5 seconds. Electrodes connection point impacted the actuation time. Our findings showed magnetic field generated by aluminum foil mesh covered with graphite which could be used as a sensor detection system similar to the current loop detector. For real life applicability and field implementations, behavior of the materials under different weather and load conditions will be tested; relationship between length of the sample and the magnetic field activation time, and recycled aluminum cans will be used instead of aluminum foil. A low voltage solar panel (3 to 6 volts) will be used as power supply instead of regular electricity levels.

Funder Acknowledgement(s): Funding was provided by NSF / HBCU-UP grant to Samir Raychoudhury.

Faculty Advisor: Gurcan Comert, comertg@benedict.edu

Role: I did the material biding after getting the right procedure from my mentor. I fabricated samples from materials I made; then I tested the samples, and submitted data to my mentor. Magnetic field test was made with supervision of my mentor, then I plotted the data and submitted to my mentor.