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Acceleration Data loggers
What is an acceleration data logger? How can we record vibrations? What do we mean by a jolt or shock? What methods can we use to detect damage to cargo caused by shocks? What does «fast peak» mean? And which MSR data logger is best suited for which measuring task?
As a specialist for acceleration measurements we strive to assist you with our expertise. Naturally, the following basic information is not a substitute for a personal consultation with an MSR sales representative.
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Why is it meaningful to record acceleration?
Why is it meaningful to record acceleration?
Measuring physical impacts is of great importance in many fields of application in order to obtain information on mechanical loads and the stresses on objects such as goods, merchandise, workpieces, parts etc.
The causative loads, which have arisen as a result of external influences, are to be regarded as largely independent from the examined object. In contrast, the resulting stresses impacting on the object are directly dependent on the examined object and can only be described with reference to the specific object.
An important parameter for evaluating impacting stresses is the dynamic mechanical load, i.e. the chronological sequence of the acceleration impacting on the object. It can be appropriately measured by means of acceleration sensors of different designs and grades, as well as recorded for further analysis, using data memories.
These sensors are, for example, used for transportation monitoring, fault diagnoses and load tests.
Basic information on acceleration measurements
The range of a data logger must always be specified with respect to the required measurements. As every load/object responds in a specific way to impact, as a general rule, both the mechanical stress and the actual impact on the object should be determined experimentally by means of acceleration sensors, (preferably) during real stress (e.g. transport).
Please note that the copyright to the statement of basic information belongs to MSR Electronics GmbH; it is forbidden to reproduce, disseminate, modify or make it accessible to any third parties, whether in whole or in part.
We are providing a Statement of Basic Information to download, which deals with the following points:
- Definition acceleration data logger
- Acceleration measurement
- Sensors
- Positioning
- Vibration
- Jolt/Shock
- Damage Boundary Curve
- Measurement frequency/sampling rate/fast peak
- Measuring acceleration using the MSR145 and MSR165 data loggers
What is an acceleration data logger?
An acceleration data logger is an automatic recording and measuring device, which autonomously records stochastic shocks or vibrations over a specific period of time in the form of unbiased raw data. Once recorded, the shock and vibration data can be retrieved, viewed and analysed.
An acceleration data logger is comprised of acceleration sensors, a data storage device, a processor and a power supply. The sensors measure the acceleration currently impacting on the sensor, e.g. when subjected to a shock or vibrations. In the process, the individual measurements are taken at specific time intervals and stored together with the respective time value. These measurement frequencies can be arbitrarily chosen between 1 measurement every few seconds and measurement frequencies in the high kHz range (e.g. 5 kHz – 1 measurement every 5,000-1 sec) depending on the sensor type.
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The higher the measurement frequency, the finer the resolution with which the actual development of the acceleration event is recorded. The disadvantage of high measurement frequencies is that they generate very high volumes of data, meaning that the storage capacity and performance limit of the logger are quickly reached. In particular, continuous measurements as well as processing and storage of the data necessitate high power requirements, which limits the mobile operating times of the logger.
The processor in the data logger processes the measured data and saves it to the storage medium together with the respective measurement periods. This means that the data can be retrieved after measuring has taken place, either directly on the logger or via a computer port. Software illustrates the measured data in tables or charts and provides functions for analysing the measured data. A popular analysis method is the acceleration-time chart with DBC (Damage Boundary Curve).
The shock and vibration data can also be recorded based on events that meet specific criteria. With an event-based measurement, you can specifically record shocks that exceed a critical time period or magnitude. In addition to providing better clarity for long-term measurements, this has the benefit that only relevant events are recorded and therefore energy and storage capacity are used more effectively
Acceleration data loggers usually use non-volatile storage media to save the measured data. Therefore the measured data is preserved, even if the power supply fails.
Detaillierte Informationen zum Messen und Auswerten von mechanisch-dynamischen Belastungen, wie Transportüberwachung mit automatischen Aufzeichnungsgeräten zur Messung stochastisch auftretender Stöße, können z.B. auch DIN EN 15433-6 entnommen werden.[Source: Excerpts from Wikipedia, amended by MSR Electronics GmbH]
Practical example of an acceleration data logger in use
Data Logger determine the causes of damage during transit
In globalised markets, industrial commodities and goods of all kinds have to be shipped around the world. During such goods transports, particularly if they span several continents, a great deal can happen: High temperatures, inadmissible humidity values and mechanical shock events are only a few examples of damage events, resulting not only in hassle but also additional expense. However, compact data loggers for transport monitoring can help to accurately analyse the causes of damage during transit and to identify the parties responsible.
Case Study for transport monitoringOn board of the military fighter jet aircraft F-5E “Tiger” of the Swiss Air Force
The University of Zurich and the Swiss Air Force have executed a unique, joint space medicine research project since 2010. The gravity, which arises as a result of flight manoeuvres during regular military training flights, is used for human cell research.
Case Study on Acceleration in Combat AircraftFall detection by smart phone in older adults
Falling among older adults can cause major distress; the consequences may include fracture and the inability to move and isolated individuals may experience a long lie after a fall when they are unable to call for help. For instance, the acceleration signals of the MSR data logger can be acquired by a smart phone and then compared with pre-defined thresholds.
Case Study for fall detection via acceleration sensorBlood samples transported in Pneumatic Tube Systems
Pneumatic tube transportation can drastically reduce transit times for blood samples. Temperature, humidity and pressure present in these systems can, however, have an effect on the quality of samples. Using the miniature data logger MSR145, g-forces were evaluated, proving the use of a “single-sample” PTT does not negatively influence blood analysis results
Case Study for acceleration analysis in pneumatic tube transports