Factors Influencing Accelerometer Measurement Capabilities - A Practical Measurement Guide

Abstract

After a brief review of the electromechanical functioning of the piezoelectric accelerometer, factors affecting its dynamic response characteristics and therefore the validity of vibration measurement are discussed. Consideration is given to variables such as shunt resistance and capacitance, mounting methods, base bending, cable noise, groundloop currents, and environmental effects. Approved accelerometer mounting techniques that will ensure the accuracy and repeatability of the measurement are also described.

Damage detection using angular velocity

“…However, there are some drawbacks to using accelerometers. One of these drawbacks is that accelerometers are affected by vibration and sound, and thus the acoustic effects on the accuracy of accelerometer readings can become considerable in noisy environments[30]. Also, accelerometers, especially those that work the best at low frequency, such as the seismic type, measure gravity as part of their design, and therefore their readings are sensitive to their locations and orientations on the structure such as arches and curved beams.…”

“…Also, accelerometers, especially those that work the best at low frequency, such as the seismic type, measure gravity as part of their design, and therefore their readings are sensitive to their locations and orientations on the structure such as arches and curved beams. Therefore, several studies[30][31][32][33] have investigated the potential and limitations of using different sensors as an alternative or complement to accelerometers, such as dynamic strain sensors and gyroscopes in different applications including structural health monitoring[36][37][38][39].Sung et al combined accelerometers and gyroscopes and developed a multi-scale sensing system for the health monitoring of structures[39]. They put many sensors on the structure and estimated the natural frequencies and deflection mode shapes using acceleration data and rotational modes using angular velocity data.…”