Cognitive Utilization of a Transducer Instrument - Lab Report Example

Measurement (LVDT) Lab Report By Lecturer’s and Introduction The paper comprise of a comprehensive lab report on the Measurement of (LVDT). There is a cognitive utilization of a transducer instrument for actualization of the entire experimental process. A transducer refers to a device that is used for converting energy from a one particular form to the other. Most transducers that are often utilized for measurements regarding mechanical engineering tends to convert the given mechanical quantities into the electrical energy (IDAHO NATIONAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY & UNITED STATES, 1979). The object displacement can be measured essentially by use of an LVDT (Linear Variable Differential Transformer), which is taken as a transducer that tends to generate an output voltage that is entirely proportional to the prevailing input displacement through the means of the existing variable inductance standard. The object’s acceleration and velocity can thus be determined by use of numerical differentiation format. On the other hand, acceleration can be directly measured by use of an accelerometer that is referred to as piezoelectric. The accelerometer thus refers to a transducer that plays a pivotal role of converting an input acceleration into an output voltage by use of the natural features of a piezoelectric substance. The object’s displacement and velocity can therefore be determined through numerical integration. Objectives The main purpose or objective of this entire laboratory experiment is the determination of the proportional sensitivities or constants regarding the accelerometer and LVDT. There shall also be the aspect of determining the LVDT‘s linear range. After the ultimate completion of the LVDT’s and accelerometer’s calibration, both instruments shall hence be utilized in measurement of the motion with regards to the simple damped oscillator (IDAHO NATIONAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY & UNITED STATES, 1979). Theory The differential transformer refers to a passive inductive transformer that is also referred to as the Linear Variable Differential Transformer. The LVDT is characterized with a soft iron core that tends to slide within a hollow transformer, therefore affecting the aspect of magnetic combinations between the two secondary and a single primary component. The measured displacement is thus applied at an ultimate arm that is often attached to the soft iron core. The moment when the core is in its null or normal position, equal amounts of voltages are often induced within the 2 secondary components. The applied accelerating current’s frequency towards the main winding ranges between 50Hz and 20 KHz (POKRYWKA & ROBERT, 2005). The calibrated Linear Variable Differential Transformer can either be the 2000 DCD or the Lucas Schaveitz 1000. All these transducers are usually powered using a regulated power supply of almost +/- 15Vdc. The LVDT as well as the accompanying element of signal conditioning tends to produce the output signal ranging at an average of +/-10Vdc (POKRYWKA & ROBERT, 2005). This kind of signal is relative to the core’s displacement within the entire DCD. The entire specifications that relates to the 2000 and 1000 DCDs can be taken as follows: Operating temperature (0 – 160) o F Null voltage (0 V DC) Linearity of 0.25% at full scale Frequency response of 200 Hz The procedural determination of the system’s sensitivity is the aspect of displacing the LVDT’s core within a given distance while at the same time recording the amount of output voltage (POKRYWKA & ROBERT, 2005). The core’s displacement can hence be generated by use of a micro meter that is attached to the extension rod. On the other hand, the LVDT must be fastened securely to a fixed fixture. Apparatus LVDT kit Multi meter Connecting wires. Experimental procedure After assembling all the apparatus, the lab experiment kicked off by first connecting the circuit with accordance to the circuit format shown in the diagram below. The power supply unit was then switched on. This was then followed by the aspect of initial bringing of the core to the null position. From this point, the nut was essentially turned in a clockwise direction in order to move the core towards an inward segment. It means that; the turning was redirected to the left side of the null position while taking the respective readings in the used voltmeter. After performing the above procedure, the nut was then turned in an anticlockwise direction so as to move the centre towards the right side of the null point. This is also done while observing and taking the attained results appropriately from the voltmeter. The results were then compiled in a comprehensive table before presenting them graphically. Experimental set-up All the experimental apparatus should be set up as shown in the figure below: The Experimental Circuit was established as shown below: Experimental Results and Analysis: Results: The experimental results that were attained were recorded in the table as shown below: Distance (MM) 1st Voltage (V) 2nd Voltage (V) Average Voltage (V) 0 2.650 2.640 2.645 5 2.545 2.536 2.541 10 2.286 2.278 2.282 15 1.957 1.952 1.955 20 1.570 1.576 1.573 25 1.180 1.188 1.184 30 0.816 0.819 0.818 35 0.437 0.438 0.4375 40 0.071 0.071 0.071 45 -0.30 -0.30 -0.30 50 -0.676 -0.695 -0.6855 Graphical Presentation of the Results: Discussion and Conclusions: The lab experiment generally led to the attainment of the above results and graphical presentation. The graphical presentation generally aimed towards giving out some insights on the visual view with regards to the relationship that exists between the level of displacement and the exerted amount of voltage. The results generally shows that; the lower the displacement, the higher the voltage levels. This is the reason the graph is characterized by a downward slanting curve that extends to the negative voltage levels at the peak of displacements. This is due to the fact that the transducer tends to generate an output voltage that is proportional to the prevailing input displacement through the means of the existing variable inductance standard. On the other hand, it occurred in such a manner because of the transducer’s conversion of an input acceleration into an output voltage by use of the natural features of a piezoelectric object. The experiment generally achieved the projected objectives in that; it worked towards determining the proportional constants regarding the accelerometer and LVDT. It also determined the aspect of the LVDT‘s linear range (BOYLE & PAGE, 1993). After the ultimate completion of the LVDT’s and accelerometer’s calibration, both instruments were utilized in measurement of the motion with regards to the simple damped oscillator. Reference List BOYLE, H. B., & PAGE, D. (1993). Transducer Handbook Users Directory of Electrical Transducers. Burlington, Elsevier Science. http://public.eblib.com/choice/PublicFullRecord.aspx?p=1838133. IDAHO NATIONAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY, & UNITED STATES. (1979). Linear variable differential transformer and its uses for in-core fuel rod behaviour measurements. Idaho Falls, Idaho, Idaho National Engineering Laboratory. http://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/6016971-B7I9vu/. POKRYWKA, ROBERT J. (2005). Method and Apparatus for Calibrating a Linear Variable Differential Transformer. http://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/836214-NCOdoE/native/. Read More