Accelerometers are the vibrational measurement instruments that we are using the very high-technology engineering applications. The triaxial accelerometer is the general type of application that we use in engineering applications. Here we explain what is the triaxial accelerometer. How do they work and what are the general applications that we use them?
What is Triaxial Accelerometer?
Triaxial accelerometers are the types of accelerometers that we are using in the vibration measurement in three different axes such as X, Y, and Z. So, they are very useful in the measurement of the different kinds of vibration inputs in three different axes in the same time. So, we can create different kinds of engineering systems that take the dynamic, input that we can use in the different systems.
In general, there are three input places of these systems. These three inputs are taking the acceleration motion inputs and convert them to electronic signals. And we use these electronic signals in complex engineering systems.
Applications of the Triaxial Accelerometer
There are different kinds of applications that we are using these systems. In most develop and enhances engineering systems, you can see the use o the triaxial accelerometer in general. So, their applications are very common in most engineering systems in general.
Modal Analysis
Modal analysis is a very important place of engineering in that we are calculating the natural frequencies of the objects. Natural frequencies are important characteristics of the objects that we give insight about at which vibrational frequency these systems will vibrate and collapse. And engineers are designing systems that do not vibrate with the motor or engine at the same frequency.
So, for each modal analysis application, the application of the triaxial accelerometer is so common. We attach them to the structures and give specific frequencies to see if they are vibrations or not. And we are taking these vibration data from the structures with the triaxial accelerometer that senses the accelerations in each direction.
So they are very accurate in the modal analysis applications in the R&D engineering applications in general.
Vibration Control
In automotive and aerospace, vibration control is a very important place where lots of engineers are working. So, with the vibration control applications, we are measuring the vibrational inputs from the different kinds of systems. And we are analyzing the vibrations and creating additional systems such as vibration-damping systems to minimize these vibrational effects.
So the use of the triaxial accelerometer is very common in vibration control studies. We are using them to see the vibrational characteristics of the structures. And they are very good at sensing the vibrational effects from different directions.
Micro Machining Applications
In micromachining applications, we are trying to obtain very smooth surfaces that have very low tolerances. So minimal vibrations can be problematic in these processes. Also, the vibration control and vibration damping characteristics of the different kinds of machinery are very important in micro machining operations.
So in the micro-machining centers, we are using the triaxial accelerometer to sense the vibrational characteristics and control these vibrations and see if there are any vibrations from different directions that can be harmful to the operation.
Vibration Isolation
Also, vibration isolation is a very important engineering application that we are applying for the existing structures. To apply good vibration isolation, we need to know the vibrational characteristics of the structures. And we can easily analyze the vibrational characteristics of the systems by applying the triaxial accelerometer. Also, according to the outputs of the accelerometers, we can see the general vibrational characteristics in different directions. And it makes it very easy to control with vibration isolation.
And we know where we need to apply vibration isolation on the systems in general.
There are also other kinds of applications we use the triaxial accelerometer. But these are the most common systems that we use them.
Important Parameters of the Triaxial Accelerometer
While you are selecting a triaxial accelerometer for your different applications, you need to assess these parameters.
Cost
Cost is very important and you probably have a limited budget for the triaxial accelerometer. If you know the total budget that you have, it will be very easy for you to select one of them.
Performance Characteristics
- Resonance value: This is a very important value that the triaxial accelerometer resonates in this frequency rate. You need to be sure that the system that you are working on is not resonated with this value.
- Sensitivity: This shows how sensitive they are in general. The general unit is mV/g which means that this device produces x millivolts per 9.81 m/s2 acceleration. With higher the number, the more sensitive the accelerometer. This is also the most important performance characteristic that defines the price.
- Frequency Response: This is also a very important characteristic. The unit is CPM which means counts per minute. It gives that number of responses in different kinds of frequency spans.
- Temperature Output: Triaxial accelerometers have also temperature outputs in general. They are giving specific millivolts per degree to understand the temperature of the system. And they are generally between 0 to 100 degrees. With the increasing this number, the temperature sensitivity is higher.
- Operating Temperature: Also, you need to look at the operating temperature range of the triaxial accelerometer. Because, if you are working at very high temperatures, it will probably not work well as intended. You need to look for much more high-temperature applications.
- Maximum Shock: Also the maximum shock that the triaxial accelerometer can sense is very important. Most accelerometers are sensing shocks up to thousands of g forces.
- Electrical Characteristics: You will probably connect the triaxial accelerometer to an electrical system. So, you need to check the current range, voltage, and settling times of the products if they are going along with your system.
Conclusion
These are the general points that you need to remember about the triaxial accelerometer in general. If you have additional questions, you can ask us through mail or in the comments below.
