Structural Engineering for High-Performance Flexible and Stretchable Strain Sensors

Structural engineering is proved to be effective in improving both measurement sensitivity and range for flexible and stretchable strain sensors. Herein, the latest advancements in structural engineering strategies are summarized for the improvement of sensing performances of flexible and stretchable strain sensors. Porous structures, wrinkled structures, and overlapped structures can increase the sensing range significantly. High sensitivity of strain sensors can be achieved by crack structures in thin film and strain concentration structures in substrate. Strain sensors with hierarchical structures are able to have both high sensitivity and wide sensing range. Moreover, potential applications of flexible and stretchable strain sensors fabricated with engineered structures are presented. The study is concluded with analysis of challenges and future perspectives for structural engineering strategies.

Automated summary

This study summarizes the latest advancements in structural engineering strategies for improving the sensing performances of flexible and stretchable strain sensors. It highlights how porous, wrinkled, and overlapped structures can increase sensing range significantly, while crack structures in thin film and strain concentration structures in substrate can achieve high sensitivity. The potential applications and challenges for strain sensors fabricated with engineered structures are also discussed in the conclusion.