The experimental: an often unavoidable base

To understand a problem with a structural system, it is often necessary to start with measurements. These measures can sometimes solve by themselves the problems we face, but they are most often used as reference to create a numerical model.

Obtaining accurate and usable measures requires not only advanced equipment, but also a highly qualified and experienced staff.

Experimental: Method and equipment

NRCtech defines with the customer the best method of instrumentation and measurement based on the budget. NRCtech expertise in this area is based on the experience of its engineers as well as its mastery over advanced technologies in measurement and signal analysis, for analysis or for the real-time operation.

By using sensors and current methods or by developing dedicated sensors, NRCtech is able to provide in a prompt and effective manner the optimal solution to its customers.

• modal analysis of structures and machinery (accelerometer and scanning interferometry)
• modal analysis of vehicle
• embedded measurements of forces
• instrumentation:
  - strain gauges
  - accelerometers
  - contactless measurements, lasers
• signal conditioning and processing
  - amplification
  - filtering and digital processing
  - microcontrollers

Example:

Experimental modal analysis of a winding watch mechanism. The analysis is performed using an interferometer to scan the complete watch through the glass.

One can observe the oscillating weight mode at 315 Hz

Click on image to view animation

Analysis software

NRCtech uses conventional methods for dynamic signal analysis (spectra, modal, etc.). In addition, it has developed for current applications a specific software dedicated to the analysis of dynamic signals .

Using these tools allows to

• handle up to ten signals simultaneously
• obtain mean spectra
• exploit spectrograms to determine the time of occurrence of given frequencies
• perform statistical analysis on spectrograms
• represent the modal vibration deformation of the system

These software have proven their effectiveness and fastness of their implementation in the following areas:

• machine tools: vibration analysis - machining behavior
• motorsports: vibration analysis - tire performance