Instrumentation and Measurement (MEng3204) –Assignment 1

Dynamic Response of Measurement System

1. A measurement system can be modeled by the equation of first order system initially; the
output signal is steady at 75 volts. The input signal is then suddenly increased to 100 volts.
a. Determine the response equation.
b. On the same graph, plot both the input signal and the system time response from t=0 s
through steady response.

2. During a step function calibration, a first-order instrument is exposed to a step change of

100 units. If after 1.2 s the instrument indicates 80 units, estimate the instrument time
constant. Estimate the error in the indicated value after 1.5 s. y (0) =0 units; K =1 unit/unit.

3. Suppose a thermometer similar to that in problem 1 is known to have a time constant of

30 s in a particular application. Plot its time response to a step change from 32 to 1200C.
Determine its 90% rise time.

4. A thermocouple, which responds as a first-order instrument, has a time constant of 20 ms.

Determine its 90% rise time.

5. Determine the 75%, 90%, and 95% response time for each of the systems given (assume
zero initial conditions):

a) and

b)
6. The output stage of a first-order transducer is to be connected to a second-order display
stage device. The transducer has a known time constant of 1.4 ms and a static sensitivity of
2 V/C while the display device has the value of sensitivity, damping ratio, and natural
frequency of 1 V/V, 0.9, and 5000 Hz, respectively. Determine the steady response of this
measurement system to an input signal of the form
T(t) =10 + 50 sin 628t 0C.

7. The input signal is applied to a force measurement system. The system has a known
ωn= 100 rad/s, ξ =0.4, and K = 1V/N. Write the expected form of the steady output signal
in volts.
8. Determine the steady output signal for the second order instrument having ωn= 540 rad/s,
ξ =0.8, and K = 2 V/N which is used to measure the input signal
F(t) = 7 + 12 sin 27 4t + 62 sin 765t,

9. The input signal F(t) = 7 + 12 sin 274t + 62 sin 765t, is applied to a force measurement
system. The system has a known ωn= 100 rad/s, ξ =0.5, and K = 1 V/N Write the expected
form of the steady output signal in volts.