TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors, Electronics

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMS 397 OHIO Replacement Program, ACAT I

OBJECTIVE: Develop and validate an improved method to isolate accelerometers used for shock testing to eliminate high frequency signals above 2Khz.

DESCRIPTION: Current dynamic measurement accelerometers which measure responses up to 100,000 g's are limited in measuring the shock response in extreme high response areas due to unwanted high frequency signals being recorded in addition to the actual response of the accelerometer. These high frequency signals are caused by the shock loading ringing throughout the mounting surface of the accelerometers and creating an undesired high frequency signal in the accelerometers which distorts the desired response. In order to elminate these high freqency signals innovative methods of mounting, isolating and installing accelerometers need to be researched and developed to improve the fidelity of accelerometer data. Proposed approaches should focus on damping out or eliminating high frequency input above 2 KHz, while preserving the response below this.

The approach shall meet the following goals:
- High Frequency Signals above 2 KHz are damped out or eliminated in all axis of motion.
- Survivable in excessive shock environments up to 100,000 g's.
- Applicable on any steel, iron, or aluminum installation.
- Capable of operating at temperatures from -50 to 130F
- Weight should be kept to a minimum.
- Should not interfere with response below 2 KHz.
- Should be easy to install.
- Design should not adversely affect post processing (integration, differentiation).

PHASE I: Produce an isolation design and provide a theoretical or analytical demonstration of the concept.

PHASE II: Develop a detailed design and working prototype. Demonstrate operation of the prototype in a test environment.

PHASE III: Finalize design and demonstrate consistent fidelity in test environment. Conduct necessary qualification testing.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Successful development of this technology could be used to increase fidelity in all dynamic measurement accelerometers through out industry.

REFERENCES:
1. "Guide to Mechanical Mounting of Accelerometers," Report UO64619, American National Standards, Accredited Standards Committee S2, Mechanical Shock, February 1989.

2. "A Mechanical Filter to Protect Piezoresistive Accelerometers from Fast Rise Shock Pulses." Technical Report NSWC TR 83-424, James Richmond, Naval Surface Warfare Center, October 1983.

KEYWORDS: Accelerometer; Data; Shock; Dynamic; Measurement; Signals;

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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