Unknown

Quantitative Comparison

Predefined
Standard

Measurement
(numerical result)

Reference: Omega Engineering, Inc.

Reference: Omega Engineering, Inc.

Generalized Measuring System

Most measurement systems consist of three stages:

Measurand

STAGE 1

STAGE 2

STAGE 3

detecting or
sensing stage

intermediate or
signal conditioning
stage

terminating
stage or
readout

(quantity to
be measured)

Stage I:
Detect or sense measurand or detect changes in a variable.
Examples:
1. The tube of a Bourdon tube for pressure
2. Piezoelectric crystal for acceleration
3. Thermocouple for temperature.

Stage II:
Signal conditioning stage. Purpose is to modify the sensed
information so that it will be accepted by the third stage.
Examples:
1. Filtering
2. Amplification
3. Integration.

Stage III:
Read-out stage - provides an indication or recording in a
form that can be evaluated.
Examples:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Digital voltmeter
Oscilloscope
Data acquisition system
Dial

Chen, W., Lu, F., and Zhou, B., A Quartz-crystal-embedded Split

Hopkinson Pressure Bar for Soft Materials, Experimental Mechanics,
Volume 40, Number 1, pp. 1-6, March 2000.

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Sali, S., and Kpac, J., Measuring the Quality of Guitar Tone,
Experimental Mechanics,Volume 40, Number 3, pp. 242-247,
September 2000.

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Yam, L. H., Gaun, D. H., and Zhang, A. Q., Three-dimensional

Mode Shapes of a Tire Using Experimental Modal Analysis,
Experimental Mechanics,Volume 40, Number 4, pp. 369-275,
December 2000.

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There are two general methods available for solving

engineering problems:
1. Theoretical
2. Experimental
Features of theoretical method:
1. Often give general results
2. Usually require simplifying assumptions (create a
"model" of the actual physical system)
3. May lead to complicated mathematical problems
4. Do not require extensive laboratory facilities
5. Usually requires less time than experimental method

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Features of experimental method:

1. Often give results for a specific system

2. The true behavior of the test system is revealed
(i.e., no simplifying assumption)
3. Accurate measurements are necessary (must
understand characteristics of measuring system)
4. Actual system or scale model is required
5. Time consuming

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Types of experimental-analysis problems:

1. Testing the validity of theoretical predictions
2. Development of generalized empirical relationships
where no adequate theory exists
3. Determination of material, component and system
parameters
4. Study of phenomena with hopes of developing a
theory

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Tag from audio/visual

projector recently
purchased. Could
apply to any
instrumentation.

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