Chapter 19 - Translational Motion, Vibration, and Shock Measurement

Abstract

This chapter is concerned with the measurement of translational (in a straight line) motion in the form of displacement, velocity, acceleration, and the acceleration-related quantities of vibration and shock. Starting first with translational displacement, the measuring devices covered include common ones like the resistive potentiometer, the linear variable differential transformer, variable capacitance, variable inductance sensors, and strain gauges, and also less-common ones like the nozzle flapper, linear inductosyn, laser interferometer, fotonic sensor, and noncontacting optical sensor. Then, before leaving the subject of displacement sensors, range and proximity sensors are reviewed. The three ways of measuring translational velocity are then discussed before the chapter moves on to review the role of accelerometers in acceleration measurement. The following sections then discuss the phenomena of vibration and shock and the techniques used to measure these quantities. Finally, three separate sections are provided that cover the calibration of displacement sensors, velocity sensors, and accelerometers, respectively.