NPTEL Online Certification Course

Automation in Manufacturing
Assignment Number-04: Solution
Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati

1. The element of a strain gauge sensor stretches within its limits of elasticity, then its_________
 cross-section area reduces and resistance increases
 cross-section area widens and resistance increases
 cross-section area reduces and resistance decreases
 cross-section area widens and resistance decreases

Correct Answer: cross-section area reduces and resistance increases

Description:

When the elements of a strain – gauge sensor stretches within its limits of elasticity, then the cross-
section area reduces and the resistance increases. The vice-versa is true as well.

2. For a capacitive type sensor, the capacitance to be measured is dependent upon_____

 interelectrode separation distance
 area of overlap of the electrodes
 the permittivity of free space
 all of these

Correct Answer: all of these

Description: Capacitive type sensors are non-contact type displacement sensors, used for
monitoring of displacements. The capacitance to be measured is calculated mathematically as

C = (εrεoA)/d

Where εr = relativity permittivity of dielectric between the plates

εo = permittivity of the free space; εo ~ 8.854 x 10-12 Fm-1

A = Area of overlap of the electrodes

 D = interelectrode plate separation distance

3. In an automated teller machine (ATM), to count the currency bills, among the following,
____________ sensor would be more appropriate.
 linear variable differential transformer
 thermocouple
 orifice gauge
 Hall effect sensor

Correct Answer: linear variable differential transformer

Description: LVDT sensors are absolute position type sensors, having good repeatability,
reproducibility, and reliability. They are non-contact, no friction or sliding type, completely sealed
sensors. They are good for servomechanisms, and automated measurements. Hence, they are good
candidates for usage in ATM machine.

4. The shape of the magnetic core material used in the rotary variable differential transformer
(RVDT) is___________
 rhombohedral
 elliptical
 hexagonal
 cardioid

Correct Answer cardioid

Description: Cardoid – shaped magnetic material is used in Rotary Variable differential

transformer (RVDT).

5. The material property, __________, is the measure of opposition that a circuit presents to a
current when a voltage is applied.
 permeability
  resistivity
 capacitance
 impedance

Correct Answer: impedance

Description: Electric impedance is the measure of the opposition that a circuit presents to a current
when a voltage is applied. Impedance forms the basic working principle of Eddy current proximity
sensors.

6. Pneumatic sensors work on the principle of____________

 change in capacitance
 change in temperature
 change in air pressure
 rotary displacement change

Correct Answer: change in air pressure

Description: Pneumatic sensors work on the principle that displacement or proximity can be
transformed into air pressure. The change in air pressures, further triggers the signal.

7. For controlling, monitoring, and handling highly flammable fluids such as petroleum products,
more suitable sensors are__________
 light sensors
 Hall effect sensors
 RVDT sensors
 capacitive sensors

Correct Answer: Hall effect sensors

Description: One of the major advantages of Hall – effect sensors is easy adaptability and usage
under severe conditions. They are immune to environmental contaminants as well. This makes them
a suitable candidate for being used for controlling, monitoring, and handling highly flammable fluids
such as petroleum products.

8. The sensor, _________ works on the principle that the stretching and squeezing of ionic
crystals present in a material generates an appropriate electromotive force (emf).
 pneumatic
 tactile
 piezoelectric
 LVDT

Correct Answer: piezoelectric

Description: Certain materials such as quartz, under the application of stretching or compression
forces, generate electric charge leading to voltage generation as well. These sorts of materials have
ionic crystals. In normal conditions, they have equal number of positive and negative charges. On
being stretched or compressed, their structure is deformed. Some of the atoms are pushed closed
together and others are pushed further apart in their atomic structure. This upsets the balance of the
charges, due to which the net positive and negative charge appear on opposite, outer faces of the
crystal. This leads to the generation of an electromagnetic force (emf). This generation of emf,
through stretching or squeezing of materials forms the basics principle of Piezoelectric sensors.

9. The fluid flow volume in an orifice meter type liquid flow sensor is proportional to the
_________
 difference of pressures at the ends of constriction
 square of the difference of pressures at the ends of constriction
 square root of the difference of pressures at the ends of constriction
 cube of the difference of pressures at the ends of constriction

Correct Answer: square root of the difference of pressures at the ends of constriction
Description: In a liquid flow sensor, Bernoulli’s principle of fluid flow is followed. The quantity of
fluid flow is computed by using the pressure drop measured. The fluid flow volume is proportional
to square root of the pressure difference at the two ends of the constriction.

10. The principle of nonlinear reduction in the resistance of the sensor element with the increase in
the temperature is used ___________ type of sensor.
 thermistor
 resistance temperature detector
 bi-metallic strips
 thermocouple

Correct Answer: thermistor

Description: Thermistors are basically used for temperature measurements widely in monitoring of
manufacturing processes such as casting, moulding, metal cutting, etc. The basic working principle
of thermistor for this purpose is resistance decreases in a very non-linear manner with decrease in
temperature. It follows the equation

RT = K eβ/T

--------------------------------Thank You----------------------------