Introduces instrumentation systems in a laboratory setting. Covers transducers including linear variable differential transformers (LVDTS), strain gages, accelerometers, load cells, magnetic pickups, and temperature detectors. Utilizes computer-based data acquisition including LabVIEW® graphical programming language.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
- Computer-based data acquisition.
- Resistance potentiometer displacement measurements.
- Position transducers.
- Bridge-type position transducers.
- AC-AC type linear variable differential transformer (LVDT).
- Computer-based measurement of time variant displacement.
- DC linear variable differential transformer (DC LVDT).
- LabVIEW@ programming.
- The rotary variable differential transformer (RVDT).
- Strain Gage Installation.
- Strain Gage Soldering.
- Strain Gage Calibration.
- Vibration physics.
- Acceleration: the link with dynamics.
- Strain gage accelerometers.
- High impedance piezoelectric accelerometers.
- Low impedance piezoelectric accelerometers.
- Thermocouple experiment.
- Analyze the operating principles of transducers including poteniometric transducers, Wheatstone Bridge, linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) transducers, strain gages, piezoelectric accelerometers, low impedance accelerometers, thermocouples and semiconductor temperature detectors.
- Explain the concepts of measurement.
- Demonstrate the concept of repeatability.
- Analyze the linearity of a measurement system.
- Construct a graph to show hysteresis of a measurement system.
- Locate the sensitivity information related to sensors.
- Explain the resolution of an instrumentation system.
- Assess the mechanical resonance of a vibrating mechanical system.
- Design a virtual instrument with LabView.
- Analyze graphical data and interpret the results.
- Collect data from sensors and formulate graphs.
- Explain the operation of each type of sensor studied.
- Write a report based on lab results.
Assessment and Requirements
Note: Assessment of the achievement is demonstrated by students passing a final exam in which common questions related to the competencies are given. In addition, students will demonstrate achievement of the competencies through the various methods as listed below.
1. Conduct laboratory activities of various instrumentation systems using LabVIEW® where the acquisition of data is used to analyze the operating principles and characteristics of transducers including potentiometric transducers, Wheatstone Bridge, linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) transducers, strain gages, piezoelectric accelerometers, low impedance accelerometers, thermocouples, and semiconductor temperature detectors.
2. Conduct laboratory exercises and activities where measurement concepts are explored, identified, and observed to include repeatability, linearity, hysteresis, sensitivity, resolution, and mechanical resonance.