Shock and vibration data logger

Shock and Vibration Logger with integrated 3-axis digital accelerometer and lithium-polymer battery

A shock data logger or vibration data logger is a measurement instrument that is capable of autonomously recording shocks or vibrations over a defined period of time. Digital data is usually in the form of acceleration and time. The shock and vibration data can be retrieved (or transmitted), viewed and evaluated after it has been recorded.

In contrast with a shock data logger, a shock detector or impact monitor is used to indicate whether or not the threshold of specified shock has occurred.

Functions

A logger comprises sensors such as accelerometers, storage media, a processor and power supply. The sensors measure and store shocks either as the entire waveform, summary data, or an indication of whether a threshold value was observed . Some devices have accelerometers built into the unit while others can use external accelerometers. The processor processes the measured data and saves it on the storage media together with the associated measurement times. This allows the measurement data to be retrieved after the measurements have been completed, either directly on the logger or via an interface to a computer. Some have an RFID interface.[1] Software is used to present the measured data in the form of tables or graphs and provides functions for the evaluation of the measurement data. The shock and vibration data is either recorded continuously over a defined time period or on an event-driven basis where the recording of data is determined by certain criteria. Employing such an event-based measurement method allows the recording of specific shocks that exceed a critical length of time or strength. Some have wireless capability such as Bluetooth transmissions to smart phones.[2]

Acceleration loggers usually use non-volatile storage media for recording the measurement data. These may be hard disc drives or EEPROMs for instance. Such devices will not lose the data when the device is powered down. This also means that the measured data will remain stored in the event of a power failure.

Overview of shock measurement

Shocks and impacts are often described by the peak acceleration expressed in g-s (sometimes called g-forces). The form of the shock pulse and particularly the pulse duration are equally important. For example, a short 1 ms 300 g shock has little damage potential and is not usually of interest but a 20 ms 300 g shock might be critical. Use of shock response spectrum analysis is also useful.

The mounting location also affects the response of most shock detectors. A shock on a rigid item such as a sports helmet or a rigid package might respond to a field shock with a jagged shock pulse which, without proper filtering is difficult to characterize. A shock on a cushioned item usually has a smoother shock pulse., and thus more consistent responses from shock detector.

Shocks are vector quantities with the direction of the shock often being important to the item of interest.

A shock data logger can be evaluated:

• Separately in a laboratory physical test, perhaps on an instrumented shock machine.
• Mounted to its intended item in a testing laboratory with controlled fixturing and controlled input shocks.
• In the field with uncontrolled and more highly variable input shocks.

Use of proper test methods, calibration, and Verification and validation protocols are important for all phases of evaluation.

Monitoring of goods in transit

Shock loggers can be used to monitor fragile and valuable goods during transit and to measure the transportation shock and vibration environment.[3][4] The loggers can be rigidly attached to the goods, packaging, or transport vehicles so that they can record the shocks and vibrations acting upon them. Some large items may have several shock sensors to measure different locations. The measured data reveals whether the goods in transit have been subjected to potentially damaging conditions. Based on this data, the options may be:

Shock and vibration data from multiple replicate shipments can be used to

Other applications

Acceleration logger measuring vibrations on a tool carousel of a CNC lathe

Among other applications, acceleration sensors are used to:

See also

References

  1. Todd, B; Schltz, Hawkins, Jensen (2009). "Low Cost RFID Threshold Shock Sensors" (PDF). IEEE Sensors Journal. 9 (4): 464–469. doi:10.1109/jsen.2009.2014410. Retrieved 8 Mar 2012. Cite uses deprecated parameter |coauthors= (help)
  2. Duffy, A (November 26, 2011), "Ottawa entrepreneur's Shockbox helmet sensor acts to mitigate concussion damage", Ottawa Citizen, retrieved 16 Mar 2012
  3. Kipp, W (1998), "Understanding Today's Transport Environment Measuring Devices", ISA 44th International Instrumentation Symposium (PDF), ISA, retrieved 8 Mar 2012
  4. Shipping Monitor (PDF), NASA, retrieved 30 Oct 2014
  5. Singh, J; Singh, Burgess (July 2007), "Measurement, Analysis, and Comparison of the Parcel Shipping Shock and Drop Environment of the United States Postal Service with Commercial Carriers", JOTE, 35 (3), doi:10.1520/jte100787
  6. Sheehan, R; Singh (August 1997), Analysis Techniques for Package Distribution Environment Data, Test Engineering &Management, pp. 18–20 Cite uses deprecated parameter |coauthors= (help)
  7. Miller, R. E.; Walden-J, Rhoades-S, Gibbs-R (2010), "Acceleration and GPS Data Monitor Truck Haulage Jolts", Min Eng 2000 52(8):2010 (PDF), NIOSH, retrieved 29 Mar 2012 Cite uses deprecated parameter |coauthors= (help)
  8. Milosavljevic, Stephen; David I. Mcbride2, Nasser Bagheri1, Radivoj M. Vasiljev3, Ramakrishnan Mani1, Allan B. Carman1 and Borje Rehn4 (2010), Exposure to Whole-Body Vibration and Mechanical Shock: A Field Study of Quad Bike Use in Agriculture, Annals of Occupational Hygiene, pp. 286–295, retrieved 29 March 2012 Cite uses deprecated parameter |coauthors= (help)
  9. "Vibration sensor". ServersCheck. Retrieved 2016-10-07.
  10. Jones, W D (October 2007). "Helmets Sense the Hard Knocks". IEEE Spectrum: 10–12. Retrieved 2 Nov 2014.
  11. Moore, N C (29 January 2014). "Understanding concussions: Testing head-impact sensors". Michigan News. University of Michigan: 10–12. Retrieved 3 Nov 2014.

Books, General References

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