Remote Experimental Vibration Analysis Of Mechanical Structures Over The Internet

Abstract

Experimental vibration analysis is of significant importance for e.g. the automobile and aircraft industry. It provides detailed information concerning the actual dynamic properties of vibration, structures, etc. Commonly, information from experimental vibration analysis is used in the development or modification of structures, processes, etc. to obtain for instance a required dynamic behaviour. It usually involves analysis methods such as; spectrum analysis, correlation analysis, experimental modal analysis and operating deflection shapes analysis (ODS). Large experience is generally required to obtain reliable results with these methods. The best way to acquire such experience is to spend many hours in a laboratory supervised by an expert teacher. However, in engineering education the experimental resources are limited and the traditional way of conducting vibration experiments is to participate in time limited scheduled lab sessions. Internet, however, provides the opportunity for engineering students to access the practical and theoretical knowledge advancement in experimental vibration analysis that is highly attractive for the industry. Laboratory exercises in, for example, experimental vibration analysis and signal processing courses, can now be performed remotely using real equipment. Advanced vibration experiments have been conducted over the Internet at Blekinge Institute of Technology, Sweden; the experiments have been carried out using experimental hardware located in a small closed laboratory. Exercises are adapted to on-campus students as well as distance learning engineers in continuing education programs. A new possibility to directly integrate vibration experiments into lectures given by expert teachers appears and after each lecture the students can repeat and elaborate on the experiments. Thus, enabling the students to carry out the experiments within a course at home using the time they require for sufficient comprehension. In this paper the remote experimental vibration analysis laboratory and its possibilities will be presented.