Theory on Measuring Orientation with MEMS Accelerometers in a Centrifuge

Beemer, Ryan D.; Murali, Madhuri; Biscontin, Guido; Aubeny, Charles

doi:10.1061/9780784479087.240

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 19 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…However, there are some points regarding MEMS sensors that need to be considered in the centrifuge experiment design. For example, it is recommended to calibrate cross-axis sensitivity at the experimental g since it can play a key role in the accuracy of the measurements [216]. It is noted that electrical noise on MEMS acceleration sensors is much higher (±15 g) than the piezoelectric accelerometers (±2.5 g).…”

Section: Geotechnical Centrifuge Modellingmentioning

confidence: 99%

MEMS technology and applications in geotechnical monitoring: a review

Barzegar

Blanks²,

Sainsbury

et al. 2022

Meas. Sci. Technol.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

In-situ monitoring is an important aspect of geotechnical projects to ensure safety and optimise design measures. However, existing conventional monitoring instruments are limited in their accuracy, durability, complex and high cost of installation and requirement for ongoing real time measurement. Advancements in sensing technology in recent years have created a unique prospect for geotechnical monitoring to overcome some of those limitations. For this reason, micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technology has gained popularity for geotechnical monitoring. MEMS devices combine both mechanical and electrical components to convert environment system stimuli to electrical signals. MEMS-based sensors provide advantages to traditional sensors in that they are millimetre to micron sized and sufficiently inexpensive to be ubiquitously distributed within an environment or structure. This ensures that the monitoring of the in-situ system goes beyond discrete point data but provides an accurate assessment of the entire structures response. The capability to operate with wireless technology makes MEMS microsensors even more desirable in geotechnical monitoring where dynamic changes in heterogeneous materials at great depth and over large areas are expected. Many of these locations are remote or hazardous to access directly and are thus a target for MEMS development. This paper provides a review of current applications of existing MEMS technology to the field/s of geotechnical engineering and provides a path forward for the expansion of this research and commercialisation of products.

show abstract

Section: Geotechnical Centrifuge Modellingmentioning

confidence: 99%

MEMS technology and applications in geotechnical monitoring: a review

Barzegar

Blanks²,

Sainsbury

et al. 2022

Meas. Sci. Technol.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Their method also specifically excludes measured cross-axis acceleration, which was later suggested to be significant at accelerations as low as 10 g (Beemer et al 2015). Additionally, measured cross-axis accelerations could explain the extraneous accelerations measured during spin up by Stringer et al (2010).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Use of a MEMS accelerometer to measure orientation in a geotechnical centrifuge

Beemer

Biscontin

Murali

et al. 2018

International Journal of Physical Modelling in Geotechnics

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometers are becoming more prevalent in geotechnical engineering and geotechnical centrifuge modelling. In centrifuge experiments these sensors have shown great promise, but still exhibit limitations. This paper proposes a new methodology for the use of single-axis, low-g, high accuracy MEMS accelerometers to measure orientation of on object on the vertical rotational plane of centrifugal acceleration and Earth's gravity in a geotechnical centrifuge. The method specifically compensates for measured cross-axis acceleration by a MEMS accelerometer when in a high-g environment. This is done by determining the apparent internal misalignment of the MEMS sensing unit, relative to its packaging, from a high-g cross-axis calibration. The misalignment can then be used to correct the measured orientation of sensor relative to a centrifuge gravity vector. When compared to simplified approaches measurements of absolute orientation are improved by 0.98º and the standard deviation of measurements between multiple sensors is reduced by 0.73º. Overall, this new methodology significantly improves the accuracy of orientation measurements by a MEMS accelerometers in the geotechnical centrifuge, opening the door to use these inexpensive sensors in more experiments.

show abstract

Geotechnical engineering educational modules demonstrating measurement and regulation of soil moisture

Garg

Huang

et al. 2022

Comp Applic In Engineering

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

With the rapidly changing needs of the construction industry and higher education, Conceive—Design—Implement—Operate (CDIO) educational framework is essential in delivering basics and practical aspects to undergraduate students. This study presents an attempt to explore the use of hardware and software applications for geotechnical engineering education. An example for development of hardware (Arduino UNO) and software applications (Mobile applications) for estimating soil moisture and its regulation is presented. The study provides a new learning environment, where students from civil engineering (major) can work hand to hand with that from electronics (minor) to develop applications for soil moisture measurement. A collaborative workshop is proposed and executed. The workshop includes basic concepts related to hardware (Time domain reflectometry [TDR] probe, Arduino UNO, and Water flow measurement) and software (LabVIEW and Android studio programming platforms) followed by project implementation in a group of 5–6 students. Satisfaction and comprehension were found to increase significantly for subjects (electronics and optics) to students of civil engineering background. The adopted tools represent economical means for application in conventional classrooms as well as laboratories for undergraduate students with a civil engineering background. This integration of the digital and physical world is an attempt at approaching soil mechanics mathematics from technology and arts from a scientific perspective. The examples presented in this study can be useful for developing open‐source laboratories within the framework of the undergraduate curriculum in civil engineering.

show abstract

Theory on Measuring Orientation with MEMS Accelerometers in a Centrifuge

Cited by 4 publications

References 19 publications

MEMS technology and applications in geotechnical monitoring: a review

MEMS technology and applications in geotechnical monitoring: a review

Use of a MEMS accelerometer to measure orientation in a geotechnical centrifuge

Geotechnical engineering educational modules demonstrating measurement and regulation of soil moisture

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About