Development of low-cost tilt sensor for tectonic and volcano monitoring

Abstract

The Earth Observatory of Singapore (EOS) liaised with Nanyang Technological University’s (NTU’s) mechanical engineering, mechatronics department to develop a low-cost tilt sensor that possesses high resolution capabilities. The tilt sensor is to be deployed in and around South East Asia to acquire useful scientific data for analysis. The tilt sensor should also possess the ability to calibrate itself to align with the vertical automatically. The development of the product is described in this report chronologically, starting with conceptualisation of the product design. Next, the thoughtfulness of the product design and its features are recorded in the embodiment design section. Then, the detail design section discusses on calculations that determine the tilt sensor’s performance based on the product design specifications. Through the testing phase of development, it can be concluded that the concept of developing a low-cost tilt sensor is feasible. However, the current prototype is not fully ready to be used by the EOS. With further improvements as suggested, it will be workable in the future.