How do we design or modify a system to avoid resonance?
After finding the natural frequency of a system, what could be done to stop or reduce the systems resonance being excited? Basically put, how do we avoid resonance This is…
[Video] Exporting DATS datasets in non-linear format
To complement our recent post on Exporting DATS datasets in non-linear format here is James Wren demonstrating the method. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sh6Q3FwjtR4
Exporting DATS datasets in non-linear format
The following tutorial shows in detail how to use Prosig DATS to export data in a non-linear format.
DATS stores all data in linear format. When you export data you are exporting the raw stored data. Therefore, to export data in a non-linear fashion we must convert the data to non-linear scale (dB for our example) and then export to the desired format, in this case CSV. (more…)
Three Methods For Analyzing Vibration In Rotating Components
In this post we will first look at how to process data from rotating machinery. Then we will focus on shaft or gear train twist. Let's look at 3 different…
The end for Windows XP. Are you ready?
Microsoft has recently announced that security updates and patches for its Windows XP operating system will end from 08 April 2014.
http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/enterprise/endofsupport.aspx
Many organisations are now having to update older PCs and laptops to Windows 7 or Windows 8. (more…)
What Type of Accelerometer Should I Use? IEPE, Charge or Bridge-based?
What type of accelerometer should I use? What are the advantages/disadvantages of a charge mode accelerometer, an IEPE accelerometer and a bridge based accelerometer?
There are so many types of accelerometer that is often difficult to know what type of accelerometer to use. An IEPE accelerometer will have a high pass filter at about 5Hz. The charge type will, by it’s nature have what is effectively a high pass filter at about 0.1Hz. Therefore neither type will show DC levels. The charge type will usually have a lower frequency bandwidth than the IEPE type. Charge accelerometers can be used at higher temperatures however. (more…)
[Video] Create AVI files from your structural animations
The DATS Modal Analysis software consists of Hammer Impact Testing, Modal Analysis & Structural Animation (often referred to as Operational Deflection Shapes or ODS and Running Modes). Having measured and…
How Many Samples Per Revolution Are Required To Study A Particular Order
When working in the synchronous/angle domain, how many samples per revolution are required to study a particular order.
To study the nth order we need 
What Is Resonance? (Part 3)
In the previous two articles (What Is Resonance? (Part 1) & What Is Resonance (Part 2)) in this series we have looked at how we can identify a resonant frequency.…
What sensors are required to perform a Rotor Runout Measurement?
The DATS Rotor Runout Measurement package can be used on any shaft where the following probes are available... A LVDT (Linear Variable Differential Transformer) probe. This is basically a contact…
[Video] Using reference cursors to measure data
A tutorial by James Wren (Prosig UK) on how to use the reference cursors in the DATS software to precisely measure features in your data. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSnldTfaQIE
How do I find the natural frequency of an inlet manifold?
There are a number of ways to find the natural frequency (resonance) of a part like an automotive inlet manifold. Here are three different types of popular test techniques. But which one should you use and why?
(more…)How do I perform vibration analysis on a cylinder head and inlet manifold?
We were asked the following question…
I want to perform some cylinder head and inlet manifold vibration analysis, what should I do?
First we need to consider sensor selection (more…)
How To Choose A Sample Rate For A Required Analysis Frequency Range
The relationship between sample rate and maximum frequency that can be analysed (called bandwidth) is a factor of 0.4. Or to look at it another way the sampling rate is…
[Video] Storing FRFs, coherence & time series
James Wren (Prosig UK) explains how to store FRFs, coherence and/or time series data in modal hammer testing using Prosig's P8000 & DATS software. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLumlmoRCvM
[Video] What are nodes, components & structures in modal testing
James Wren (Prosig UK) explains how nodes, components & structures are used in modal hammer testing using Prosig's P8000 & DATS software. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmNCqv7p3pc
Calibrating an Accelerometer with a Prosig P5000 system
Here we look at how to calibrate an accelerometer using a Prosig P5000 system. Put the wax on the shaker top. Place the accelerometer in the axis you wish to…
[Video] Performing a Hammer Impact Test
James Wren (Prosig UK) provides a step-by-step guide to performing a Hammer Impact Test on a structure using Prosig's DATS software and P8000 data acquisition hardware. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrCM3H0_NpE
[Video] Calibrating a strain gauge for use with a Prosig P8000 system
James Wren (Prosig UK) steps through how to calibrate a strain gauge for use with a Prosig P8000 system. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAh9PS632Tk
[Video] A simple CAN-bus measurement setup
A simple tutorial that explains how to use the DATS Acquisition software to set up a Prosig P8000 to capture data from a CAN-bus. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeAuntGW-O4
What Are AC and DC Coupling?
We are often asked about AC and DC coupling. This is important to understand when working in the signal processing field. In terms of AC and DC Coupling, what is…
Prosig DAC Signal Generation and Reproduction
Using a Prosig P8000 system with a 8424 DAC (digital-to-analogue) card fitted, it is possible to generate signals of any type. Typically, these might be sinewaves, chirps, random, bursts, sweeps…
How do I balance a shaft?
“How do I balance a shaft?” seems like a fairly straightforward question, but there are a number of things that we need to understand first. Here we look at a number of key concepts that need to be understood in order perform balancing.
What does balance mean?
Well broadly speaking to balance a shaft, mass must be added or removed at certain angles. The concept being that the centre of gravity and rotational centre of the shaft will be equal when the shaft is balanced. (more…)
[Video] Brake Runout & DTV Measurement
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v32IhaUVGpM
Why does Auto-Zero have no effect for IEPE sensors?
The Prosig P8000 Auto-Zero function is used to remove the DC content of a signal.
For example, if you have a sine wave that is ±5 volts about 0 volts it has no DC offset. But if you have a sine wave with ±5 volt amplitude about 3 volts, then it has a 3 volt DC offset. Below is an example of these two sinewaves.
