The use of the piezoelectric material polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF) in sensors to measure underwater shock wave pressures is described. Its advantages and disadvantages as a sensor material are compared to those of conventional tourmaline sensors. Preliminary results from sensors using this material are shown to compare well with results from tourmaline sensors. Some irregularities are, however, found in the PVdF sensor output, but it is anticipated that these can be eliminated by improved sensor design.
