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MODULE 8 - Measurement of Vibrations

This document discusses the measurement of vibrations using various accelerometers, including seismic transducers, LVDT accelerometers, and piezo-electric accelerometers. It explains the principles of vibration, frequency analysis, and the operation of each type of accelerometer, highlighting their applications in fields such as engineering, aerospace, and industrial testing. The document provides detailed descriptions of how these devices convert mechanical motion into electrical signals for measurement purposes.

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Mahendra Sharma
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6 views4 pages

MODULE 8 - Measurement of Vibrations

This document discusses the measurement of vibrations using various accelerometers, including seismic transducers, LVDT accelerometers, and piezo-electric accelerometers. It explains the principles of vibration, frequency analysis, and the operation of each type of accelerometer, highlighting their applications in fields such as engineering, aerospace, and industrial testing. The document provides detailed descriptions of how these devices convert mechanical motion into electrical signals for measurement purposes.

Uploaded by

Mahendra Sharma
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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MODULE 8: Measurement of Vibrations

(i) Seismic transducers,


(ii) LVDT accelerometers,
(iii) Piezo-electric accelerometers

What is Vibration?
A body is said to vibrate when it describes an oscillating motion about a reference position.
The number of times a complete motion cycle takes place during the period of one second is
called the Frequency and is measured in hertz (Hz).
The motion can consists of a single component occurring at a single frequency, as with a
tuning fork, or of several components occurring at different frequencies simultaneously, as for
example, with the piston motion of an internal combusion engine.
In frequency analyzing machine, we normally find a number of prominent periodic frequency
components which are directly related to the fundamental movements of various parts of the
machine. With frequency analysis we are therefore able to track down the source of undesirable
vibration.
Important parameters relating to vibration vibrometers are describes below:

i. Seismic transducers or accelerometer


Basic Principle:
When a spring – mass – damper system is subjected to acceleration, the mass is
displaced, and this displacement of the mass is proportional to the acceleration. Hence a measure
of displacement of the mass becomes a measure of acceleration. The main parts of a seismic
accelerometer are as follows:
I. A seismic mass is suspended from the housing of the accelerometer through a
spring.
II. A damper is connected between the seismic mass and the housing of the
accelerometer.
III. The seismic mass is connected to an electric displacement transducer.

There are two types of seismic – displacement sensing accelerometers namely.


A. Linear seisimic accelerometer.
B. Rotational Seismic Accelerometer.

Both of the above mentioned seismic accelerometers work on the same principle and are
shown in diagram.
Fig. 1: Linear Seismic Displacement Sensing Accelerometer

Fig. 2: Rotational Seismic Displacement Sensing Accelerometer

ii. Linear Variable Displacement Transducer (LVDT) or accelerometers


Principle of LVDT:
LVDT works under the principle of mutual induction, and the displacement which is a non-
electrical energy is converted into an electrical energy.
In LVDT accelerometer, the soft iron core of LVDT itself acts as a seismic mass. The core is
attached to two spring steel one at top and other at bottom with the help of rods as shown. The
spring steels are attached to the case firmly. The core is surrounded by one primary winding in
the centre of the former and the two secondary windings at the sides. The number of turns in
both the secondary windings are equal, but they are opposite to each other, i.e., if the upper
secondary windings is in the clockwise direction, the lower secondary windings will be in the
anti-clockwise direction, hence the net output voltages will be the difference in voltages between
the two secondary coil. The two secondary coil is represented as S1 and S2. The centrally placed
iron core can move in to and fro motion as shown in the figure.

The null position of the core is arranged at


static condition. On applying an external force
which is the displacement, if the core reminds in
the null position itself without providing any
movement then the voltage induced in both the
secondary windings are equal which results in net
output is equal to zero

i.e., 𝑣0 = 𝑣1 − 𝑣2 = 0

When an external force is appilied and if the


steel iron core tends to move in the upward side
direction then the emf voltage induced in the secondary coil 1 is greater when compared to the
emf induced in the secondary coil 2. Therefore the net output will be 𝑣1 − 𝑣2 .

When an external force is applied and if the steel iron core moves in the right hand side
direction then the emf induced in the secondary coil 2 is greater when compared to the emf
voltage induced in the secondary coil 1. Therefore the net output voltage will be 𝑣2 − 𝑣1 .

LVDT is used to measure displacement ranging from fraction millimeter to centimeter. It can
also be used as a device to measure force, weight and pressure, etc.

iii. Piezo-electric accelerometers


Working Principle of Piezoelectric Accelerometer
A piezoelectric accelerometer consists of a mass attached to a piezoelectric crystal which is
mounted on a case. When the accelerometer body is subjected to vibration, the mass on the
crystal remains undisturbed in space due to inertia. As a result, the mass compresses and
stretches the piezoelectric crystal. This force is proportional to acceleration in accordance with
Newton’s second law, F = ma, and generates a charge.

The charge output is then converted into voltage output.


Applications

Major applications of piezoelectric accelerometers


include:
 Engine testing - Combustion and dynamic
stressing
 Ballistics - Combustion, explosion, and
detonation
 Industrial/factory - Machining systems, metal cutting, and machine health monitoring
 Original equipment manufacturer - Transportation systems, rockets, machine tools,
engines, flexible structures, and shock/vibration testers
 Engineering - Dynamic response testing, shock and vibration isolation, auto chassis
structural testing, structural analysis, reactors, control systems and materials
evaluation
 Aerospace - Ejection systems, rocketry, landing gear hydraulics, shock tube
instrumentation, wind tunnel and modal testing.

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