Accelerometer Accessories
Accelerometers are commonly used in mechanical and structural engineering to measure and analyze vibrations. However, the accuracy of accelerometer measurements depends heavily on how the accelerometer is mounted to the object being measured. In this context, "mounting" refers to the process of physically attaching the accelerometer to the object in such a way that it accurately captures the object's vibrations without introducing any unwanted vibration or interference.
For optimal performance, particularly at high frequencies, it is advisable to have smooth, flat, and uncontaminated surfaces on both the accelerometer base and the test object. Scratches or burrs should be avoided. If the accelerometer base becomes scratched, it can be smoothed using a lapping plate. If lapping is not an option, other machining techniques such as grinding, spot facing, milling, or turning can be used to create suitable flat surfaces for mounting.
Furthermore, it is crucial to establish a sturdy mechanical connection between the vibration source and the sensor. It is not recommended to mount the accelerometer on thin, flexible components such as sheet metal or plastic parts.
Symmetric mounting can help minimize errors caused by unwanted sensor vibrations. To achieve this, it is important that the weight of the sensor, including all mounting components, is significantly lower than that of the test object. As a general rule, the sensor should not exceed 10% of the weight of the test object.
In situations where there are high levels of transverse vibration, it is crucial to minimize any misalignment between the sensor axis and the measuring directions. When using screw mounting, it is important to ensure that the screw length does not exceed the threaded hole's depth, and there should be no gap under the sensor.