Vibration, Acoustics and Strain Measurement

Book excerpt: This textbook provides a comprehensive description of a variety of vibration and acoustic pickups and exciters, as well as strain gauge transducers. It is an exhaustive manual for setting up basic and involved experiments in the areas of vibration, acoustics and strain measurement (using strain gauges only). It further serves as a reference to conduct experiments of a pedagogical nature in these areas. It covers the various theoretical aspects of experimental test rigs, as well as a description and choice of transducers/equipment. The fundamentals of signal processing theory, including the basics of random signals, have been included to enable the user to make a proper choice of settings on an analyser or measuring equipment. Also added is a description of modal analysis theory and related parameter extraction techniques. All chapters are provided with conceptual questions which will provoke the reader to think and gain a better understanding of the subjects. The textbook illustrates around fifty experiments in the areas of vibration, acoustics and strain measurements. Given the contents, this textbook is useful for undergraduate and postgraduate students in the areas of mechanical engineering, with applications that range from civil structures, architectural and environmental systems, and all forms of mechanical systems including transport vehicles and aircraft.