A Novel High-Sensitivity MEMS Pressure Sensor for Rock Mass Stress Sensing

This paper proposes a novel high-sensitivity micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) piezoresistive pressure sensor that can be used for rock mass stress monitoring. The entire sensor consists of a cross, dual-cavity, and all-silicon bulk-type (CCSB) structure. Firstly, the theoretical analysis is carried out, and the relationship between the structural parameters of the sensor and the stress is analyzed by finite element simulation and curve-fitting prediction, and then the optimal structural parameters are also analyzed. The simulation results indicate that the sensor with the CCSB structure proposed in this article obtained a high sensitivity of 87.74 μV/V/MPA and a low nonlinearity error of 0.28% full-scale span (FSS) within the pressure range of 0–200 MPa. Compared with All-Si Bulk, grooved All-Si Bulk, Si-Glass Bulk, silicon diaphragm, resistance strain gauge, and Fiber Bragg grating structure pressure sensors, the designed sensor has a significant improvement in sensitivity and nonlinearity error. It can be used as a new sensor for rock disaster (such as collapse) monitoring and forecasting.