Automatic Vibration Exciter Control

Type 1018

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[he Automatic Vibration Exciter Control is a

special designed signal source for vibration test-
ing of mechanical and electro-mechanical com-
ponents in the frequency range 5 c/s to 10 kc/s.

BHiJEL&KJ~K
Ncerum, Denmark . eye 80 05 00 . ,;:;:" BRUKJA, Copenhagen . Telex: 5316

E'R 101 8
Automatic Vibration Exciter Control
Type 1018

Reprint august 1962

 Contents
Introduction
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
General Description of the AVEC Model 1018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Controls and Terminals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Operation ........................................ . .................. 14
General ............. ...... ...... ... ............................. 14
Calibration of the Frequency Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Adjustment of the Automatic Frequency Scanning Arrangement . . . . 15
Operation at Constant Displacement Level ........................ 17
Operation at Constant Velocity Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Operation at Constant Acceleration Level .......... .... ............ 19
Operation at Constant Displacement/ Constant Acceleration Level . . . . 20
Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Use of 1018 as Vibration Meter only ........ . . . ... ........ ........ 22
Some Notes Regarding Cycling Systems Operation ..... . ............ 22
Notes on Using an Accelerometer as Controlling Element for the
1018 Vibration Exciter Control ................................ 23
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
 Introduction
Mechanical vibrations in a construction occur whenever a change in the
forces applied to it takes place. This change in the applied forces can have
a periodic or non-periodic character. If the change in forces, the rate of
change, or the number of force cycles applied are great enough, the con-
struction might be damaged. The purpose of vibration testing is to determine
the damaging effects that vibrations have on a structure, allowing it to be
re-designed to prevent such damage from taking place under normal
operating conditions. The importance of vibration testing depends upon
the severity of damage caused by a breakdown, and has been fully re-
cognized in recent years.
As long as only simple structures are to be considered, it is possible to
calculate the effects of vibrations. However, as the structure becomes more
and more complicated and the operating conditions more and more complex
and severe, the amount of calculation involved is large. In such circum-
stances, vibration testing may be the only practical solution to the problem
of determining vibrational effects.
This is especially true of the aircraft and missile field, where not only the
periodic changes in force caused by the engines, but also the forces due
to air flow turbulance play an important role. Also gas turbine parts and
parts or other fast running machinery are now normally subjected to
vibration testing before the final design of the part is approved.
The vibration test may be carried out in different ways, of which the three
most important are:-
The shock test ,
The random motion test, and
The frequency sweep test.
For the design engineer the frequency sweep test is, in the vast majority
of cases, the most preferable method , as the natural frequencies of the
objects under test as well as their Q-values are directly measured.
The frequency sweep test is carried out by feeding a vibration exciter with
a certain amount of power at a slowly changing frequency. Due to re-
sonances in the test object and the vibration exciter system, the power
necessary to vibrate the test object at a certain constant level is not, how-
ever, independent of the frequency. To keep the vibration level constant,
the output from a vibration pick-up, built into the shaker or mounted on
it, is used to control the input power to the vibration exciter. Normally, the
control of the vibration level is made in such a way, that when the vibration

3
level of the table tends to increase, which would cause the output voltage
from the control pick-up to increase, the input power to the vibration
exciter is automatically decreased until the status quo is regained.
The time interval from the increase in vibration level (felt by the control
pick-up) to the decrease in the input power to the vibration exciter is,
although very small, not negligible. This time constant, or in other words
"regulation speed", should be selected according to the expected Q-values
of the system resonances and the scanning speed chosen for the frequency
sweep, i. e. the regulation speed must be greater than the speed with which
the system resonances are built up.
Regarding which of the three vibrational quantities, acceleration , velocity,
or displacement, is the most important, with respect to structural damage,
environmental tests show that at the lower frequencies the occurance of
structural damage is most likely to be proportional to the displacement
level of the vibrations, whereas at the higher frequencies the damage depends
upon the acceleration level.
Vibration tests are therefore often carried cut with a constant displacement
level at low frequencies, and at a constant acceleration level at higher
frequencies. The exact frequency of the cross-over from constant dis-
placement to constant acceleration operation is stated in the different
vibration test specifications, e. g. MIL-E-5272 A a. o., and depends o:Ll the
conditions under which the test object is supposed to operate in practice.

4
 Description
General Description of the AVEC Type 1018
The Automatic Vibration Exciter Control Type 1018 is designed as a
signal source for frequency sweep vibration tests and consists basicaii:v of
an oscillator, a frequency sweep unit, a vibration meter, and auto~atic level
control, and an automatic displacement acceleration transfer unit.

" Oscillator "

"Vel. Gen . Input "

"Accel.Gen. Input "

Stage

Fig. 1. Block diagram of the Automatic Vibration Exciter Control Type 1·018.

The oscillator is a beat frequency oscillator, working on the heterodyne

principle, with a total frequency range from 5 to 10ooo cps. The frequency
range is devided into two parts, one from 5 to 5ooo cps with a true
logarithmic scale, and an additional range from 5 to 10 kcps, which is
• switched in manually.
The frequency sweep unit features, a built-in reversible motor, for automatic
frequency scanning. The frequency range 5 to 5ooo cps as well as the range
5 to 10 kcps, or any pre-determined part of these ranges are automatically
scanned at a speed which is variable in ~teps from 3.1 degrees per minute
to 315 degrees per minute, (1 frequency decade equals 72 degrees ). When
the pre-set frequency limits of the scanning range are reached, the motor
is automatically reversed, thus traversing, the same frequency range with
the same speed, but in the opposite direction.

5
The vibration meter enables easy setting and monitoring of the vibration
level in terms of inches (em), inches/sec. (em/ sec.), or G *) depending on
whether the displacement, the velocity, or the acceleration level is kept
constant by the automatic level regulation.

The vibration level can be controlled in different ways:-

1. The displacement level of the shaker table can be kept constant, inde-
pendent of frequency, or
2. The velocity level can be kept constant, or
3. The acceleration level can be kept constant, or
4. The displacement level can be kept constant below a certain pre-set
cross-over frequency, above which the acceleration level is kept constant.
The desired type of operation is chosen by means of the "Function Selector"
knob. Additionally it is possible to control the table motion either by means
of a velocity type vibration pick-up (signal generator coil), or by means of
an accelerometer according to the following table:-

Controlling Element Velocity Gen. Accel. Gen.

Frequency range in which the 5-2ooo cps

shaker displacement level can be 5- 2ooo cps. (50-2ooo cps for level
kept constant. range o.01 " ).

Frequency range in which the

shaker velocity level can be kept 5- 2ooo cps -
constant.

Frequency range in which the

shaker acceleration level can be 10- 2ooo cps. 10-10ooo cps
kept constant.

Frequency range in which auto-

10-500 cps. 10-500 cps
mafic cross-over is possible.

The regulation speed of the regulating amplifier is variable, providing

regulation speeds of 10, 30, 100, 300, 1ooo and 3ooo db/sec. This regulation
speed is the speed with which a sudden change in the operating conditions
of the shaker table is regulated back to "normal" , and is chosen by means

*) G = 981 em /sec! = 32.2 ft tsec 2 = 386 inch/sec 2 = Acceleration of gravity.

6
of the knob marked "Compressor Speed db/sec" on the instrument front
panel. A further position of this knob is marked "Auto". With the knob
in this position the regulation speed is automatically increased with the
increase in frequency, the rate of change of the regulation speed being
determined by the position of the " Compressor Function" knob. An auto-
matic increase of regulation speed with frequency, is desirable, for the
following reason:-
In order to prevent undesired level changes to build up during the
frequency sweep of the oscillator the regulation speed should be kept
as high as possible. However, it has to be noted that at low vibration
frequencies a high regulation speed results in interacting effects between
the regulation and the actual wave shape of the signal being regulated,
thus causing distortion of the oscillator output signal.
With the automatic compressor speed regulation, any frequency range
can be swept at a constant logarithmic sweep rate and 1ow signal
distortion without changing the compressor speed manually.
The maximum output available from the Type 1018 is 10 volts across a load
of 10 k.Q. This is suitable for the majority of the many different power
amplifiers used in connection with vibration exciters.

7
 Controls and Terminals
"Power" toggle switch controlling the on-off switching of the mains.

Power Switch

~
Velocity Gen.
Response Switch

- -mlt- -- Fu'nction Selector

~
Vibration Monitoring Switch
Output
~---- Displ. - Vel. Range
..-- Sw1tch

- Frequency Selection
Control

___ Acceleration Range

Automatic Switch
Cross-Over Control
__.- Displacement- Velocity

.•
Scanning Speed ------- Level Control
Multiplier
Acceleration
Scanning Speed - - · Level Control
Switch

Compressor Function Output Switch

Switch
"";;;:- ,.'···· ::::
· - ,:~ ::ii/..~ .. ..
••
Compressor Speed Output Voltage
Switch Control

Frequency Range
Switch
-···- ~ Frequency Scale
Adjustment

1018
Fig. 2. Front panel control knobs and terminal~.

"Oscillator" telephone jack terminal, for connecting a stroboscope to detecl

resonance points on the specimen, checking of the oscillator wave form, or
monitoring the voltage. With the "Output Switch", Fig. 2, in position "Ex.
Oscillator" a tape recorder or an external oscillator can be connected to
the cathode-follower output stage of the instrument. The input impedance
of the "Oscillator" terminals is 100 kQ.
"Vibration" telephone jack terminal for checking and monitoring the
vibration level, e. g. by means of a cathode-ray oscilloscope.
"Meter Switch" connecls the instrument meter in a manner to show either
the "Oscillator Voltage" , the "Vibration Level" or lhe "Output Voltage", see
Fig. 1. A further position of the switch is marked "Power Freq-Beat" and
used during calibration of lhe frequency scale.

8
 "Scanning Speed Multiplier" switch controls the on-off switching of the
motor drive for the automatic frequency sweep. It also allows the sweep
to take place at a ten times lower speed than indicated, by the position
of the "Scanning Speed - degrees/min" switch.

"Scanning Speed - degrees/min." switch contains 11 positions, and controls

in conjunction with the "Scanning Speed Multiplier" switch, the frequency
sweep speed.

"Compressor Function" switch controls the function of the automatic com-

pressor when the "Compres sor Speed" switch is in position "Auto".
The proper setting of the switch depends upon the frequency sweep speed
required by the various vibration test specification, and the expected
magnification factors, Q, of the specimen resonances.
When the switch is in position "Standard" the compressor speed will
automatically increase with frequency so that the distortion of the output
signal is less than 1 % for frequencies above 10 cps. The increase in speed
takes place in steps:-
. from 5 to 30 cps the compressor speed will be 10 db/sec.
from 30 to 100 cps the compressor speed will be 30 db/sec.
from 100 to 300 cps the compressor speed will be 100 db/sec.
from 300 to 1ooo cps the compressor speed will be 300 db/sec.
from 1ooo to 3ooo cps the compressor speed will be 1ooo db/sec.
from 3ooo to 5ooo cps the compressor speed will be 3ooo db/sec.
With the switch in position "Fast" the compressor speeds given above should
be multiplied by 3, the maximum distortion of the output signal then being
in the order of 2 %.
If the switch is set to "Med. Q" a compressor speed of 10 db/sec. will be
maintained up to 100 cps. It then changes to 30 db/sec., which is kept
until the generator oulput frequency is 300 cps, etc.
Position "High Q" ensures the 10 db/sec. speed to b e maintained up to
300 cps; 30 db/sec. to 1ooo cps, etc.

"Frequen.ey Range" switch allows the choice of two frequency ranges

namely 5-5ooo cps (normal frequency range of the generator in this
range the frequency sweep is true logarithmic), and 5005 to 10ooo cps
• (additional frequency range - sweep is not logarithmic).

"Compressor Speed db/sec." switch controls the compressor speed manually

in 6 steps, i. e. a fixed compressor speed of 10, 30, 100, 300, 1ooo or 3ooo
db/sec. can be freely chosen. When the switch is in positicm "Auto " the
actual compressor speed will depend upon the generator output frequency
and the position of the knob "Compressor Function".

"Frequency Scale Adjustment" controls are used for correct adjustment of

the frequency scale.

9
 OsciUator Output Voltage
db

0
~~
-1
-2 1/
-3 /
-4 J
-5 J
-6 I
-7 I
- 8 I
-9 I
-10
IJ
-11
-12
-13
-14
-15 I
-16
1 6 8 10 20 40 60 80100 200 500 'KXXl o/s
Frequency--:;;;,

Fig. 3. Typical frequency characteristic of the high pass filter in the

Oscillator output circuit.

The screwdriver operated control is used for coarse adjustment, while the
knob control allows the fine adjustment of the scale.

"Output Switch" allows selection of output facilities. With the switch in

position "Ext. Osc." the terminal marked "Oscillator" at the top of the
instrument front panel is disconnected from the built-in oscillator, and
allows the output stage of the Automatic Vibration Exciter Control to be
fed from an external oscillator (or tape recorder). The frequency charac-
teristic of the output cathode follower is linear to within 1 db in the range
o.5 - 20ooo cps, and the attenuation at 500 cps is o.5 db approx. The
output voltage can be read off the instrument meter when the "Met~r
Switch" is in position "Output Voltage".
If the switch is set to position "Linear" the output stage has a linear
frequency characteristic and is connected to the built-in oscillator.
In position "High Pass" the output stage is connected to the built-in
oscillator, the frequency characteristic of the stage, however, being changed
according to the curve shown in Fig. 3.

"Output Voltage" potentiometer controls the maximum available output

voltage. The actual output voltage can be read on the instrument meter
when the "Meter Switch" is in position "Output Voltage". During tests
where the vibration level is controlled by means of the compressor circuit
the "Output Voltage" should be set to a position which ensures that the
"Oscillator Voltage" never exceeds 10 V. (" Meter Switch" in position
"Oscillator Voltage" ).

10
 "Acceleration Level" potentiometer controls the acceleration level of the
vibration exciter in conjunction with the "Function Selector" and the
"Acceleration Range" switches. The level can be read off the instrument
meter when the "Meter Switch" is in position "Vibration Level".

"Displacement-Velocity Level" potentiometer controls the displacement level

or the velocity level of the vibration exciter, the type of control being
dependent upon the positions of the "Function Selector" and "Displacement
- Velocity Range" switches. With the "Meter Switch" in position "Vibration
Level" the actual vibration level can be read off the instrument meter.

"Acceleration Range" switch allows the selection of a number of acceleration

level ranges which can be controlled by the Automatic Exciter Control. I!
also selects what type of feedback signal should be used for the control ,
i. e. whether the feedback control signal consists of the output from an
accelerometer, or the output from a velocity type pick-up, such as the
signal generator coil.
The markings on the left-hand side of the switch are valid, if a velocity
• generator is used as the controlling element, while the markings on the
right-hand side are valid for accelerometer control.

"Displacement - Velocity Range" switch has two functions, depending upoll

the position of the "Function Selector":-
1. With the " Function Selector" switch in posiHon Displ. the displacement
level of the shaker table is controlled. The control signal can consist of
the output from a velocity generator (sigm\.1 generator coil), or the
output from an accelerometer. The markings on the left-hand side of
the Switch are valid for velocity generator control, while the markings
on the right-hand side are valid for accelerometer control.
2. With the "Function Selector" switch in position "Vel." the velocity
level of the shaker table is controlled. Velocity level control can only
be obtained by means of a velocity type feedback signal, consequently,
only the left-hand side markings can be used. However, the markings
are valid for displacement control, and to read the velocity level
directly, they should be multiplied by 10.

"Function Selector" switch selects the type of regulation which the instru-
ment will perform.
With the switch in position "Vel." the velocity level of the vibration exciter
is controlled. This type of regulation can take place only. when the output
from a velocity type pick-up is fed to the "Vel Gen. Input" terminal on
the rear of the instrument.
When the switch is in position "Displ." the displacement level of the
vibration exciter is controlled, and in position "Accel." the acceleration

11
level is controlled. Both an accelerometer and a velocity pick-up can he
used as the controlling element.
If the "Function Selector" is in position "Auto" the displacement level of
the exciter is controlled below a pre-set cross-over frequency (adjustable
by means of the outer knob on the tuning capacitor spindle) above which
the acceleration level is controlled. The cross-over is indicated by means
of the white lamp marked "Accel.", which will light whenever the instrument
is switched to control the acceleration level of the vibration exciter.
"Vel. Gen. Response" switch is introduced to enable high frequency com-
pensation of velocity type vibration pick-ups.
With the switch in position "Shaped" the compensation network is connected
in the input circuit of the vibration meter amplifier, the frequency charac-
teristic of which then corresponds to the curve shown in Fig. 4.
When the switch is set to position "Flat" the frequency response is flat
from 5 cps to 2ooo cps.
"Accel." lamp indicates when the instrument is switched for acceleration
level control.
"Vel. Gen. Input" is a three-poled Cannon receptacle for connection of a
' 'elocity type control pick-up (o r signal generator coil). Input impedance :
•
Approximately 200 k.Q. Max. allowable vel. gen. impedance is 2ooo Q.
"Accel. Gen. Input" is similar to "Vel. Gen. Input", but should be used whC'n
the controlling element consists of an accelerometer with associated cathode
follower. Input impedance: Approximately 80 k.Q.
Maximum allowable output impedance from the cathode follower is 1500 .Q.
"Oscillator Output" is a four-poled Cannon receptacle. The output should
not be loaded by impedances smaller than 10ooo Q.

Correction
8

tdb
6

4
v
/
~ ~""'
L.,...oo ~
2
v
~
v
L----"
0
20 cjs 40 60 80 100 200 400 600 800 1000 Cfs 2000
Frequency-
,l~#llle

Fig. 4. Typical compensation characteristic.

12
 "Compressor" is a six-poled Cannon receptacle. It makes possible lhe in-
sertion of inverse shaping networks, in the compressor circuit , which may
shape the vibration level/frequency characteristic according to some parti-
cular vibration test specifications. During "normal" operation of the in-
strument the pins 1 and 5 as well as 2 and 3 should be short-circuited,
This is automatically taken care of when the special "blind" plug, which
is supplied with the instrument upon delivery, is inserted in the socket.
"Output Shaft" allows the mechanical connection of an X-Y recorder poten-
tiometer. The potentiometer may also be substituted by a 1,4,'' extension shaft
which can be used to control other external equipment, as a function of the
frequency variation of the Oscillator.
"Special Purpose Connector" is a four-poled Cannon receptacle for coJ,mec-
tion from the above mentioned potentiometer to an X-Y recorder .

•
 Operation
General.
The Automatic Vibration Exciter Control Type 1018 is specially designed
to be controlled directly from a velocity type of vibration pick-up having
a sensitivity of 96.3 m V sec/inch, or from an accelerometer with associated
cathode follower the sensitivity of which should be 10 m V /g, (both sen-
sitivities are specified in peak voltage and peak vibration units), or a
combination of both the above mentioned types of pick-up. Using ph::k-ups

Fuse
•

Special Purpose
Connector

Oscillator Output

1018
Fig. 5. Terminals and mechanical outputs from the rear of the 1018.

with the sensitivities specified, the meter provides direct readings on the
acceleration, displacement, or velocity scales. However, if an accelerometer
and cath9de follower combination is used with a sensitivity other than
10 mV/g, it is necessary to use a capacitor output standardizer, with the
accelerometer, or to vary the cathode follower output to achieve the required
sensitivity.

14
 Note: Make sure that the voltage adjuster at the rear of the instrument
is set to the value of the line voltage.

Calibration of the Frequency Scale.

1. For control knob identification see Fig. 2. Make sure that the shaker
is not energized during calibration, e. g. by turning "Output Voltage"
to 0.
2. Connect the instrument to the power supply, set the toggle switch
marked "Power" to "On" and allow two minutes warm-up time.
3. Set "Meter Switch" in position "Power Freq-Beat".
4. Set the "Scanning Speed Multiplier" in position "Off".
5. Set the knob marked "Frequency Range" to "5-5ooo c/s".
6. Set "Compressor Function" switch on "Off".
7. Set "Output Switch" to "Linear" (or "High Pass").
8. Turn the "Oscillator Frequency Dial" so that the pointer points at the
frequency equal to that of the line voltage. The instrument meter
pointer will now start fluctuating.
9. Turn the "Frequency Scale Adjustment" knob until the fluctuations on
the meter become slower and finally almost crease. The fluctuations
begin again when the critical point is passed. If the adjustment knob
does not give a satisfactory regulation, the screwdriver operated capacitor
below the knob should be adjusted.
10. Set the frequency dial pointer to a frequency equal to % of the mains
voltage frequency and repeat item 9.
The instrument is now ready for use.
Oscillator frequency checks and adjustments can be made even when the
complete vibration test arrangement is operating. The "Scanning Speed
Multiplier" should then be set to "Off" and the frequency dial pointer to
the frequency of the mains . The procedure is then the same as outlined
above in item 3, 8 and 9.
Note: To carry out the check during operation the voltage measured on the
instrument meter at the frequencies used for calibration must be greater
than 1 V with the "Meter Switch" in position "Oscillator Voltage".

Adjustment of the Automatic Frequency Scanning Arrangement.

1. Loosen the screws on the "Oscillator Frequency Dial" marked Sa and Sb
on Fig. 6.
2. Turn the "Oscillator Frequency Dial" pointer to the low frequency limit
of the range in which it is desired to take measurements, and move

15
 Fig. 6. Frequency Dial of Type 1018.

the screw Sn counter-clockwise until it is stopped by the contact arm

of the microswitch. Fasten Sn in this position.
3. Turn the "Oscillator Frequency Dial" clockwise until the pointer points
at the highest frequency at which measurements are to be taken. Then
move the screw Sb clockwise until it is stopped by the contact arm
of the microswitch. Fasten Sb in this position.
4. Set the "Scanning Speed" knob to the desired value, and switch on the
frequency sweep by turning the " Scanning Speed Multiplier" to "xi "
(or "x0.1 ", depending upon the speed chosen for the sweep).

The selected frequency range will now be swept automatically. When the
preset limits of the range are reached, the rotation of the motor is reversed
and the same frequency range will be traversed with the same speed, but
in the opposite direction.
The correct setting of the "Scanning Speed" knob is easily calculated: If
it is desired to scan the frequency range f1 - f2 - f1 in T minutes lhe
settings of the "Scanning Speed" knob is found from

S=

where d2 and d1 are the degrees corresponding to the frequencies f2 and fr ,

respectively. These values can be read directly off the frequency dial. In
other words , the scanning speed is the total scanning range in degrees
divided by the desired scanning time.

16
Operation at Constant Displacement Level.
This type of operation can be achieved by using either an accelerometer or
a velocity type pick-up as the controlling element of the shaker table
motion.

A c ce le rometer
Preamplifier
Velocit Generator

Acceleration Generator

Power
Amplifier

Fig. 7. Typical vibration test arrangement.

Level Range With Accelerometer With Velocity Pick-up

10" 5- 500 c/s 5- 500 c/s

1" 5- 500 c/s 5- 500 c/s
o.1" 5-2ooo c/s 5-2ooo cis
o.01" 50-2ooo c/s 5-2ooo c/s

To set up the test apply the following procedure:-

1. Set the knob marked "Output Voltage" to "0".
2. Calibrate the instrument as described under "Calibration of the Frequency
Scale", page 15.
3. Adjust the automatic frequency scanning arrangement, page 16.
4. Turn the knobs marked "Displacement-Velocity Level" and "Acceleration
Level" to "0".
5. Connect the instrument as shown in Fig. 7.
6. Set " Meter Switch" in position "Vibration Level" .
7. Set "Scanning Speed Multiplier" to "Off".
8. Adjust the regulation speed as follows: -
(a) If it is desired to automatically obtain the highest permissible re-
gulation speed as a function of frequency the "Compressor Speed"
knob is set to "Auto". The setting of the "Compressor Function"
switch will then depend upon the specimen Q and the speed required
for the frequency sweep of the oscillator.

17
 (b) If it is desired to use one regulation speed only, throughout the
frequency sweep, the speed should be chosen with regard to the
distortion at the lowest test frequency. Recommended combinations
based on a maximum distortion of 1 % are:-

Lowest Frequency of the "Compressor Speed''

Desired Sweep Range: Knob Setting:

Lower than 30 c/c 10 db/sec.

Above 30 cis 30 db/sec.
100 c/ s 100 db/sec.
300 cis 300 db/sec.
1ooo c/s 1ooo db/ sec.
3ooo c/s 3ooo db/sec.

The "Compressor Function" switch should in this case be set to any

position except "Off".
9. Set "Output Switch" to "High Pass " .
10. Set "Vel. Gen. Response" to " Flat". (Se also "Vel. Gen. Response" p. 12).
11. Set "Function Selector" to "Displ.".
12. Set "Displacement-Velocity Range" to the desired displacement level
range. (If an accelerometer is used as the controlling element use the
ranges to the right marked "Accel. Gen.". If the vibration level is
controlled by me~ms of a velocity pick-up, the ranges to the left marked
"Vel. Gen." should be used).
Note: The figures "0.01", "0.1", "1", and "10" indicate full scale meter
deflection peak-to-peak displacement level in inches.
13. Turn the "Output Voltage" knob slowly clockwise until the compressor
has taken over the control of the output voltage. (This can be observed
on the instrument meter, the pointer of which should be kept below the
5 db mark on the lower meter scale).
14. Turn the knob marked "Displacement- Velocity Level" clockwise , until
the instrument meter pointer indicates the desired vibration level.
15. Set "Meter Switch" in position "Oscillator Voltage".
16. Adjust the "Output Voltage" potentiometer so that the maximum output
voltage required from the Oscillator during a complete frequency sweep
is 10 Volts. (The scanning of the desired frequency range should be
carried out manually and very slowly).
17. Set "Meter Switch" in position "Vibration Level".
The instrument is now ready for use, and the vibration test can be started
by setting the "Scanning Speed Multiplier" switch to the desired position.

18
When the test is over, the instrumentation should be switched off by first
turning the ((Output Voltage" knob to ((0" and then disconnecting the power
amplifier, the Exciter Control and the field coil supply from the mains by
means of their various "On-Off" switches.

Operation at Constant Velocity Level.

Constant velocity level control is only possible by means of a velocity type
pick-up. The frequency range available for velocity level control is 5-2ooo
cps, and the level ranges are o.1 inch/sec., 1 inch/ sec., 10 inch/sec., and
100 inch/sec. The various ranges are found by multiplying the numbers on
the left-hand side of the "Displacement-Velocity Range" switch by ten ).
To set up the test apply the following procedure:-
1. Follow instructions item 1 through 11 under " Operation at Constant
Displacement Level". (Page 17).
2. Set "Function Selector" to " Vel.".
3. Set " Displacement-Velocity Range" to the desired velocity level range.
(The actual velocity level range corresponds to the numbers marked on
the left-hand side of the knob when multiplied by ten).
Note: The level ranges o.1 inch/sec., 1 inch/sec., 10 inch/sec., and 100
inch/sec. indicate full-scale meter deflection peak value velocity.
4. Follow the instructions item 14 through 18 under " Operation at Constant
Displacement Level", page 18.

Operation at Constant Acceleration Level.

Constant acceleration level operation can be obtained by using either an
accelerometer or a velocity type pick-up as the controlling element. The
available frequency and level ranges are:-

With Accelerometer With Vel~city

Level Ranges
I Control
I Pick-up Control

1- 10- 100 and

10-10ooo cps 10- 2ooo cps
1ooo G *)

G*) = acceleration of gravity (981 cm/ sec.2 or 386 inch/sec. 2 ).

To set up the tes t, apply the following procedure:-

1. Follow instructions item 1 through 10 under " Operation at Constant
Displacement Level". Page 17.
2. Set "Function Selector" to "Accel.".

Hl
3. Set "Acceleration Range" to th e desired acceleration range using the
proper part of the switch ("Accel. Gen." or "Vel. Gen.") .
Note: The figures "1", "10", "100" , and "1ooo" indicate full-scale meter
deflection peak value acceleration levels in multiples of G.
4. Turn the "Output Voltage" knob slowly clockwise until the compressor
has taken over the control of the output voltage. (This can be observed
on the instrument meter, the pointer of which should be kept below the
5 db mark on the scale).
5. Turn the knob marked "Acceleration Level" clockwise until the instru-
ment meter pointer indicates the desired vibration level.
f). Follow instructions item 16 through 18 under " Operation at Constant
Displacement Level". (Page 18) .

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500 HXXl2000 5000
Frequtncy in cpL Fft~ency incps R"equtncyincps
26DIN
a. b. c.
Fig. 8. Diagrams showing the possible cross-over points as a function of
frequency. All values within the thick lines can be used.

Operation at Constant Displacement I Constant Acceleration Level.

This type of operation can be obtained by using either an accelerometer or
a velocity type pick-up, or both, as the controlling element.
The frequency and level ranges available, when the different types of control
are used are best illustrated by means of three diagrams , see Fig. 8.
Fig. 8a shows the frequency and level ranges which can be utilized when
an accelerometer is used as the controlling element only.
Fig. 8b shows how the ranges are slightly changed when a velocity type
pick-up is used to control the table motion.
Fig. 8c shows the operating ranges when a velocity type pick-up is used for
displacement control (i.e. below the cross-over frequency), and an accelero-
meter is used for acceleration control (i.e. above the cross-over frequency).
To set up the test the following procedure may be applied:-

20
 1. Follow instructions item 1 through 10 under "Operation at Constant
Displacement Level", page 17.
2. Set "Function Selector" to "Auto".
3. Set the Oscillator frequency dial pointer to the desired cross-over fre -
quency.
4. Keep the dial pointer in its position, i. e. pointing exactly at the desired
cross-over frequency, and turn the outer knob on the tuning capacitor
shaft, until the lamp marked "Accel." at the top left on the instrument
front panel just cuts in (or out).
5. Set the frequency dial pointer to a frequency just below cross-over, i. e.
where the "Accel. " lamp cuts out.
6. Set the "Acceleration Range" switch to the proper acceleration range, see
also Fig. 8.
7. Proceed as outlined under "Operation at Constant Displacement Level",
item 12 through 15.
8. Adjust the "Output Voltage" potentiometer until instrument meter pointer
shows a suitable deflection, for example 10 db (lower meter scale).
9. Set the frequency dial pointer to a frequency just above cross-over, i. e
where the "Accel." lamp cuts in.
10. Turn the knob marked "Acceleration Level" clockwise until the instru-
ment meter pointer deflects to the same value as in item 7 (10 db on
lower meter scale).
11. Re-adjust the "Output Voltage" potentiometer so that the maximum
oscillator voltage required during a complete frequency sweep is 10 V.
(The scanning of the desired frequency range should be carried out
manually and very slowly).
12. Set "Meter Switch" to "Vibration Level" .
The instrument is now ready for use and the vibration test can be started by
setting the "Scanning Speed Multiplier" switch to the desired position (X 0.1 "
or "X 1").
When the test is over, the instrumentation should be switched off by first
turning the "Output Voltage" knob to "0" and then disconnecting the power
amplifier, the Exciter Control and the DC power supply, from the mains by
means of their various "On-Off" switches.

21
 Appendix
Use of Type 1018 as Vibration Meter only.
The Automatic Vibration Exciter Control can be u sed as a vibration meter
when the "Compressor Function" switch is set to "Off". However, to obtain
a correct reading on the instrument meter the "Displacement-Velocity Level"
and "Acceleration Level" potentiometers should then be set to "10" .
If it is desired to monitor the vibration level, this can be done by connecting
an AC level recorder to the terminal marked "Vibration" on the front panel.
Due to the relatively high output impedance the load impedance should not
be less than 100 kohms.

8ome Notes · R~garding Cycling Systems Operation.

If a cycling system is used together with a shaker (and power amplifier )
which contairis no overdriving protection circuits, damage J?ight under
certain circumstances occur to the shaker. Two examples of damage-
producing operations are mentioned in the following:-
'When specimens with very high Q resonances are tested outside the normal
operating range of the shaker, the compressor arrangement may not be able
to maintain a constant vibration level on the shaker table due to overdriving
in the power amplifier. This again will result in overdriving of one or more
of the oscillator and· amplifier stages. The situation can be observed on the
vibration meter, the indication of which will decrease instead of keeping a
fixed value. If now the "Meter Switch" on the 1018 is switched from its
position "Vibration Level" to "Oscillator Voltage", i.e. if the operator wants
to check the oscillator voltage, the feedback in the oscillator output circuit
will suddenly change, correspondingly changing the overdrive level. The
change introduces a DC component in the shaker drive voltage, causing the
shaker to " jump", which will eventually produce damage.
A similar situation is created if the "Output Voltage" potentiometer of the
Vibration Exciter Control is turned quickly down during the above described
operating conditions.
However, not all types of "unusual" effects will produce damage. For
example, during automatic cross-over operation a sudden increase in the
deflection of the vibration meter may be observed at the moment when the
crossing-over takes place. This may mislead the operator to assume that the
vibration level of the shaker has suddenly increased. This effect is due to an
electrical transient in the first stages of the regulating amplifier and does
not normally influence the actual vibration level of the shaker , due to the

22
rather large time constants of the compressor circuit. However, if the
crossing-over takes place at a very high or a very low frequency , the drive
to the shaker may suddenly decrease and then slowly increase again until
the normal drive level is regained.
Another effect which may be mentioned is the instability occurring when
too high compressor speeds are employed and the test specimen contains
high Q resonances. These can be readily cured by choosing a lower com-
pressor speed and the corresponding lower sweep speed.

Notes on Using an Accelerometer as Controlling Element for the

1018 Vibration Exciter Control.
At low frequencies and low shaker displacement levels the acceleration level
will be extremely low. (The acceleration level with a peak-to-peak table
displacement of o.1" at 5 c/s is for example only o.13 G. G = acceleration of
gravity = 386 inch/sec.2). It is therefore necessary to take special precautions
when an accelerometer is used to control low frequency shaker displacement
levels within the 1018 level ranges o.1" and o.01".
(a) It is recommended to use accelerometers with relatively high charge-
sensitivity, i.e. the product of accelerometer voltage sensitivity (mV/G)
and internal capacity (,u,uF) should be as high as possible, preferably
higher than 30 .U.U columb/G.
(b) In most cases it will be necessary to mechanically shield the accelero-
meter against the surrounding air, for even slight air motion ("wind")
around the pick-up causes relatively great electrical noise in the accelero-
meter output signal.
(c) The accelerometer preamplifier must be of a very high quality, prefer-
ably supplied with a sharp cut-off filters which attenuates frequencies
outside the operating range of the 1018. A very heavy stabilization and
smoothing of the plate as well as the filament voltages are normally
required to avoid low frequency disturbance signals from the power
supply, such as DC variations, which upset the proper functioning of the
amplifier (maximum allowable disturbance signal level is 10 ,uV). In
some cases it may, in addition to the stabilization, be advantageous to
reduce the filament voltage by approximately 10 %.
Great care has also been taken in the design of the 1018 Automatic Vibration
Exciter Control to diminish the effects of low frequency disturbances,
and a sharp cut-off filter has therefore been incorporated in the vibration
meter section. The cut-off frequency of the filter is 5 c/ s.

23
 Specifications
I OSCILLATOR SECTION I
Frequency Range: 5-5ooo c/s and 5-10 kc/s.

Frequency Scale: Logarithmic from 5-5ooo c/s.

Frequency Accuracy: 1 % ± o.25 c/s.

Output Voltage: Max. 10 volts.

Max. Load: 10 k.Q.

Output Voltage Accuracy: Better than ± o.5 decibel in the frequency range
5-5ooo c/s and better than ± 1 decibel for frequencies between 5 and
10ooo c/s.

Waveform: Maximum distortion in the frequency range 5-10ooo c/s, o.5 %

without compressor. Maximum distortion with compressor o.5 % for higher
frequencies, and 1 % for 10 c/s at the lowest compressor speed.

Hum Voltage: At least 65 decibels below full output.

Scanning Speed: Variable in 22 steps from 3.1 to 315 degrees per minute.

Frequency Limit Controls: Front panel set-screw adjustment.

Automatic Cross-over Control: Cross-over frequency may be adjusted over

the frequency range 10-500 c/s.

IVIBRATION METER SECTION I

1. Velocity Pick-up as Controlling Element.

Displacement Ranges: Full scale readings o.01" (o.025 em), o.1" (o.25 em)
1" (2.5 em), and 10" (25 em), peak-to-peak value. Accuracy ± 4 % from
10-2ooo c/s. Approximately 4 % down at 5 c/s.

24
Acceleration Ranges: Full scale readings 1 g, 10 g, 100 g, and 1ooo g (peak
value). Accuracy ± 4% from 10-2ooo c/ s.

Velocity Ranges: Full scale readings o.1 in./sec. (o.25 em/sec.), 10 in/sec.
(25 em/sec.), and 100 in./sec. (250 em/sec.), peak value. Accuracy ± 4%
from 5-2ooo c/s.

Pick-up Sensitivity: The vibration meter is adjusted for a velocity pick-up

output of 96.3 mV sec. per inch. (Peak-value volts and peak-value velocity) .

Pick-up Impedance: Maximum 2 k.!J.

Input Impedance: Approximately 200 kQ.

2. Accelerometer with Cathode Follower as Controlling Element.

Displacement Ranges: o.01" (o.025 em), peak-to-peak value. :::';:: 4% from

100 c/ s to 2ooo c/ s. Approximately 4 % down at 50 c/ s.
o.l" (o.25 em), 1" (2.5 em), and 10" (25 em), peak-to-peak value, ± 4% from
10-2ooo c/ s. Approximately 4% down at 5 c/ s.

Acceleration Ranges: Full scale readings 1 g, 10 g, 100 g, and looo g (peak

value). Accuracy ± 4 % from 10- 10ooo c/ s.

Pick-up Sensitivity: The vibration meter is adjusted for an accelerometer

(+ cathode follower ) output of 10 m V per g. (Peak-value volts and peak-
value acceleration). The maximum allowable output impedance of the
cathode follower is 1500 Q.

Input Impedance: Approximately 80 kQ.

\feter Scale: Semi-logarithmic.

Gradated: 0-10 (Volts, G, inches, inches/ sec.'! .
0-25 (em, em/ sec. ).
-10 to + 20 db (decibels).

ICOMPRESSOR SECTION I
Frequency Range: 5-10ooo c/s.

Regulation Speeds: 10-30-100-300-1ooo and 3ooo db/ sec. Can be selected

manually as a fixed speed for a complete frequency sweep or automatically

25
as a function of the oscillator frequ en cy . " Switching" frequencie s are:-
30-100-300-looo and 3ooo c/s.

Dynamic Range: 45 db. 20 db can be compressed to o.5 db and 40 db can be

compressed to 1.5 db.

Power Supply: 115-127-150- 220 and 240 Volts (± 10 %) . 50 c/ s or 60 c/s

(specify when ordering).

Tubes: 1 X 6AU6 (EF94) - 4 X 12AT7 (ECC81 ) - 1 X 12AU7 (ECC83) -

1 X 6BL8 (ECF80) - 1 X 6U8 (ECF82) - 1 X 6AL5 (EAA91 ) - 1 X 12BY7
- 1 X 6CA4 (EZ81 ) - 1 X OA2 - 1 X OB2.

The Automatic Vibration Exciter Control can also be delivered in a steel

cabinet with flange for 19" rack mounting as Type 1038.

Dimensions: Type 1018 Type 1038

Depth 34 em (13.5 inches) 28 em (11 inches)
Height 52 em (20.5 inches) 48 .5 em (19%2 inches)
Width 51 em (20 inches) 48 em (19 inches)

Weight: 30 kg (63 lbs.).

:w
 I
B K

Printed in Copenhagen , Denmark August 1962