Measurement

• Assigning Numerical Value To A Parameter

• Parameter
 Property
 State
 Quantity / Magnitude
 Quality
 Phenomenon
• Helps to
 Compare
 Define
 Quantify

Introduction
 Standardise
 Unitise
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Purpose of Measurement
• Information regarding content/ present status in
general
• Engineering applications- to know state of various
properties
• For commercial exchange - billing etc
• Study and validation/ verification of various laws/
theories
• Conduct of experiments- research
• Monitoring the coordination of multiple element in
system

Introduction
• To allow proper control of the systems
• Measurements for Quality Control
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Types of Applications of
Measurement

• Monitoring of process and operations

• Control of process and operations
• Experimental engineering analysis
• Combination of above

Introduction
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Monitoring of Process and
Operations
 Measures and Indicates Quantity
 No Control
 Thermometer, Barometers, Water / Electricity / Gas
meter, Speedometers, Fuel indictors, Watch,
Compass etc.

Introduction
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Control of Processes & Operations
Feed-back Control System
Disturbance
Input energy Controlled variable
Process

Final Control Measuring

element instrument

Controller

Introduction
Desired value of controlled
variable

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Feed-back Control System
• Controlled variable needs to be measured.
• Al least one measuring device is essential.
• Control system to take corrective action may need
multiple variables.
• More than one measuring devices may be required.
• Examples
 Steam Generation
 CNC
 Robots

Introduction
 Automobile
 Air-conditioners / Geysers

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Experimental Engineering Analysis

• Engineering Problems are solved by

1. Theoretical Method
2. Experimental Method

Introduction
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Features of Theoretical Method
1. Results are for General Use, not restricted.
2. Simplifying Assumptions.
3. Uses mathematical model.
4. Predicted results are different from actual.
5. In some cases it is a complex mathematical
problem, difficult to analyze.
6. Need only paper, pencil & computer. Expensive
Lab. Facility not required.

Introduction
7. No time delay in model building/ assembling /
checking instruments
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Features of Experimental Methods
1.Results valid for specific system.
Modelling/Dimensional Analysis may give some
generalization.
2. No assumptions , True behavior is revealed.
3. Accurate measurement is necessary, costly.
4. Characteristics of Instruments should be known
5. Build actual system or scaled model.
6. Time is required to design/construct/debug the

Introduction
apparatus.

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Types of Experimental -Analysis Problems
1. Testing validity of Theory/Improvement of Theory
e.g.- Frequency Response testing of linkages
2. Formulation of Imperial Relationship when adequate
theory does not exist
e.g.- Friction Factor for turbulent pipe flow.
3. Determination of material, component, system
parameters, variables & Performance indices.
e.g. - Y.P. of material , speed-torque characteristics of
motor, thermal efficiency of steam turbine
4. Study of phenomena to develop theory
e.g. -Electron microscopy of metal fatigue cracks.
5. Solution of mathematical problems by analogies.

Introduction
e.g.- Solution of shaft torsion problems by
measurements on soap bubbles.
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Computer-Aided Process Control
• Most of the Modern process involve multiple
parameters to be controlled
• Use of individual sensors
• Involves Signal Processing
• Complex Inter-relation between many independent
parameter
• Displays only parameters which are required for key
features, remaining govern functioning
• Examples:- Process automation, controls in NC-CNC,

Introduction
process controls in Super-thermal and Atomic
Reactors

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