ISO standardization to ensure traceability of vibration and shock acceleration measurements

Abstract

Traceability to the International System of Units (SI) is increasingly demanded for vibration and shock measurements as specified in international standards, recommendations, and regulations to ensure product quality, health, and safety. Hierarchies of measurement standards have been established and are operated at the National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) as well as accredited and nonaccredited calibration laboratories. To meet the increasing demands, a revision of the ISO 5347 series, renumbered to ISO 16063, started in 1995 (ISO TC 108). Improved and new standard methods for vibration and shock calibration have been specified at the different traceability levels. For primary vibration calibration by laser interferometry at the NMI level, ISO 16063-11:1999 has extended the frequency range (0,4 Hz–10 kHz) and included absolute-phase shift measurement. ISO 16063-13:2001 provides interferometric primary shock calibration (100 m/s2–100<th>000 m/s2). For vibration and shock calibration at lower levels, parts 21 and 22 of ISO 16063 provide upgraded comparison methods. ISO standards for the calibration of angular transducers by laser interferometry (part 15) and by comparison (part 23) are under development. Using the methods specified, national standards and calibration equipment have been developed for calibration laboratories, offering many new and improved calibration and measurement capabilities and thus international traceability.