MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT THAPAR UNIVERSITY

EXPERIMENT No. 3: ELECTRICAL COMPARATOR

OBJECT:
Study and use of an electrical (LVDT) comparator for inspecting the given specimens.

APPARATUS:
Electrical Comparator (LVDT), Slip Gauges/Master Component.

DESCRIPTION
Electrical comparator converts mechanical displacement into electrical signal and the electrical signal back to mechanical displacement. Linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) is the most popular electro- mechanical device used to convert mechanical distance into electrical signal. It, in effect, is a transformer consisting of three symmetrical spaced coils carefully wound on an insulated bobbin. It works on mutual inductance principle and consists of a primary coil wound on an insulating form (bobbin) and two identical secondaries connected externally in a series opposition circuit. Electrical comparators are also known as electro-mechanical measuring system as they employ an electro-mechanical device which converts a mechanical displacement into electrical signal. Linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) is the most popular electro-mechanical device used to convert mechanical displacement into electrical signal. It, in effect, is a transformer consisting of three symmetrically spaced coils carefully wound on an insulated bobbin. It works on mutual inductance principle and consists of a primary coil wound on an insulating form (bobbin) and two identical secondaries symmetrically spaced from the primary. AC carrier excitation is applied to the primary and two secondaries are connected externally in a series opposition circuit. The lead wires exit through an opening in the outer shield, usually in the end-cover washers. A cylindrical shield of ferromagnetic material is spun over the metallic end-washer after the windings have been vacuum-impregnated with a potting compound suitable for the application environment. The finished transformer thereafter becomes quite impervious to humidity or ordinary magnetic influences.

Fig. 1 Schematic Arrangement of LVDT (core shown in the middle position)

Core-on extreme leftside

Null Position

Fig. 3 Absolute value of output voltage of LVDT

Fig. 2 Phase referenced output voltage of LVDT

Fig. 4 Electrical Comparator

Secondary Coil 1 Primary Coil

Secondary Coil 2

Fig.5 Exploded View of LVDT

It also becomes extremely rugged and reliable. There is a non-contacting magnetic core, made from a uniformly dense cylinder of nickel-iron alloy, carefully annealed to improve and homogenize its magnetic permeability. It moves in the centre of these coils wound on the insulating form and motion of this core varies the mutual inductance of each secondary to the primary, which determines the voltage induced from the primary to each secondary. If the core is centered in the middle of the two secondary windings, then voltage induced in each secondary winding will be identical and 1800 out-of-phase, and the net output will be zero. If the core is moved off the middle position, then the mutual inductance of the primary with the secondary will be greater than the other, and a differential voltage will appear across the secondaries in series. For off center displacements within linear range of operation, the output is essentially a linear function of core displacement from null position. PROCEDURE: First of all, the comparator is standardized (using slip gauges or master component). Also the tolerance is set on the instrument (as per the tolerance allowed on the component to be inspected). Now the specimen is kept on the anvil. The plunger is brought in contact with the specimen to take the readings. If the indicator/pointer remains with the tolerance limits set on the instrument, the specimen should be accepted, otherwise it is put in quarantine.

PRECAUTIONS: 1. 2. 3. 4. There should be proper zero setting of the apparatus. Stylus should be properly placed on master work piece/slip gauges. Work should be at room temperature before calibration. Work piece surface should not be touched by hands.