Characterization and validation of low-cost sensors for applications in experimental modal analysis

• Grant number: 20/05973-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2020
• End date: August 31, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Mechanics of Solids
• Principal Investigator: Sidney Bruce Shiki
• Grantee: Rafael Faria Melo
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Vibration monitoring in mechanical and structural systems is very important to predict wear, fails or others unwanted effects that may occur due to the phenomenon of vibration. However, this monitoring typically requires the use of sophisticated instrumentation, with high-cost and difficult-to-operate elements, and is therefore discarded in most systems where there should be. Thus, in the present study will be evaluated the possibility of using low-cost accelerometers, especially the MEMS type, in the monitoring of vibrations. With the aid of a Shaker and an impact hammer, several tests will be performed on discrete small-scale systems, exciting them in a wide frequency range. The vibrations will be measured by low-cost MEMS accelerometers and commercial accelerometers used in experimental modal analysis procedures, used as a reference. Subsequently, the measurements will be processed in order to extract the modal parameters of the systems from both MEMS and reference sensors. At the end, a comparison will be made between these parameters, seeking to validate the use and check the limitations of MEMS accelerometers in vibration monitoring.