Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 371 Measurement and Instrumentation Laboratory Activities

Asst. Prof. Dr. Alperen GÜNAY

Dr. Şakir BAYTAROĞLU
22 September 2024
Overview 22 September 2024

o Normative Reference Standard

o Significant Digits Rules
o Introduction to Uncertainty
o Design Stage Uncertainty
o Exercise
Normative References-Standards

The following normative documents contain provisions which, through reference in this
text, constitute provisions of this part of ;

o ISO/IEC GUIDE 98-4:2012 UNCERTAINTY OF MEASUREMENT — PART 4: ROLE

OF MEASUREMENT UNCERTAINTY IN CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT
o General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.
ISO/IEC10725:2015
o BIPM Evaluation of measurement data — Guide to the expression of uncertainty in
measurement
o Quantifying Uncertainty in Analytical Measurements, EURACHEM/CITAC/CG 4
Guide, 2001
o ISO 9000 family Standards — Quality management
o Calibration Measurement and Testing Standards
Books
o Figliola ==> Probability, Statistics, Uncertainty
o Bestley ==> Static and Dynamics Characteristics
Significant Digits Rules

o Rule 1 : Digit 1 9

Between On Left On Right (Last Count )

504 (3 SD) 0.0034 (2SD)
203 (3SD) 0.256 (3SD) Decimal Places İntegers
2.340 (4SD) 8000 kg(10Kg)
1. 20 (3SD) 8000 Kg(1kg)
o All non-zero digits are significant
o All Measurement value are significant
o Tips:
o Use scientific notation
o Do not use more significant digits in the result than the inputs
o Round your final result but not the intermediate calculations
Significant Digits Rules

Significant Digit for Scientific Notation;

230 ∗ 104 (3 𝑆𝐷)
200 ∗ 103 3 𝑆𝐷
2000 ∗ 102 (4 𝑆𝐷)
8000 ∗ 103 (4 𝑆𝐷)
800 ∗ 103 (3 𝑆𝐷)

Rule 2 For Multiplication and Division

(4 SD) (3 SD)
5.348 ∗ 10−2 ∗ 3.64 ∗ 104
= 𝟏. 𝟒𝟓𝟕68982 ∗ 103
1.336
(4 SD) (3 SD)
Significant Digits Rules

Rule 3 For Addition and Subtraction

72.1 2.7543
3.42 4.10
+ 0.003 + 1.272
75. 523 (3 SD) 8.1273 8.123 (3
SD)
Rounding of the Measurement Results

Volume= Length x Width x Height

Measurement 1
2 SD
Fewest Possible
Length=1.3 cm SD

Measurement 2 Asewer
Calculation
1 SD 1 SD
Width=5cm Dropped Digit

Measurement 3 Volume= LxWXH=1.3 x 5 x 23.45=152.425 cm3

4 SD
Round 1 up to 2 1 S.D
Height=23.45 cm
Answer : 200 cm3
Rounding of the Measurement Results

Dropped Digit > 5 Round UP by 1

Round 45.6767 cm to 4 SD
Answer : 45.68 cm

Dropped Digit ˂ 5
Don’t Round UP Round 324.478 cm to 3 SD
Answer : 324 cm

Dropped Digit = 5 or =50000 Round Up if Odd ( 1,2,3,5 etc.)

Don’t Round Up if already even

Round 0.1245 cm to 3 SD Round 0.12450 cm to 3 SD

Answer is :0.124 Answer : 0.124 cm
Introduction Uncertainty - Measurement

According to VIM 2.28 Measurement is defined as:

"Set of operation having the object of determining a value of a

quantity"

Note : The operations may be performed automatically .

1. The Top 10 Dimensional Measurement Tools Every Start-up Machine Shop Should Have - Q-PLUS Labs (qpluslabs.com)
2. Measuring Instrument - KK TECH INC. (kktechtw.com)
Introduction Definition of Uncertainty
Uncertainty
According International vocabulary of metrology — Basic and general concepts
and associated terms (VIM) article 2.26, Uncertainty is defined as;
Non-negative parameter characterizing the dispersion of the quantity values
being attributed to a measurand, based on the information used.
Or
Parameter, associated with the result of a measurement, that characterizes the
dispersion of the values that could reasonably be attributed to the measurand

𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒖𝒍𝒕: 𝑿 ± 𝑼

Quantity Measurement
Value Uncertainty
Introduction Uncertainty
Now, all-Important in making measurement which is always ignored in
every college book is the Uncertainty in your measurement.

Without any knowledge of the Uncertainty, any Measurement that you

make is completely meaningless.
The Concept of Uncertainty Estimation

1. Inter-Disciplinary Activity, (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Electronics,

Instrumentations, Measurement set-up)
2. Estimate the uncertainty in Design Stage and Manufacturing Process
3. Significant Digit
4. Rounding of the number
Uncertainty Should be Quantified in a Way that is :

o Universal: Applicable to all kinds of measurements

o Internal Consistent: Independent of how components are grouped
o Transferable: Use Uncertainty on a results in deviations of uncertainty on dependent
result
o Procedures set out in: Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty of Uncertainty in
Measurement (GUM)
Errors and Uncertainty

o It is important not to confuse the terms

"error" and "uncertainty"
o Error is the difference between the
measured value and true value of the
quantity being measured.
𝛿1 = 𝑋1 − 𝑋𝑇𝑟𝑢𝑒
o Uncertainty is a quantification of the
doubt about the measurement results
o Whenever possible we try to correct for
any know errors : for example, by
applying corrections from calibration
certificates.
o But any error whose value we do not
Fig. 1 Error and Uncertainty. know is a source of uncertainty
Uncertainty Analysis - Source of Uncertainty

1. Environmental Parameters
2. Reference Standards
3. Measuring Equipment's
4. Measurement Set-up
5. Software and Calculation Methodology
6. Metrologists (Operators)
7. Measuring Object
8. Definition of the Measurand
9. Measuring Procedure
10.Physical Constraints

Fig. 5: Source of
Uncertainty
Systematic Standard Uncertainty ; will be represented by σ.
(True estimation of the probable range of the systematic error)
± σ has a confidence level of 68 % one standard deviation !
The Systematic uncertainty assigned to some desired confidence level p is: tν,p* σ (p%)
Some Date Related to Uncertainty Scientific Approach

Establishment of
WG3 on
Uncertainty under
ISO TAG4:BIPM,
BIPM IEC,
Questionnaire On IFCC,ISO,IUPAC, Recommendation Reprint With
Uncertainties, IUPAP,OIML, CI-1986, Minor Corrections,

1977–
1980 1981 1981 1986 1993 1995 1997
1979

Recommendation Recommendation Guide to the Establishment of

INC-1, CI-1981, Expression of Joint Committee
Uncertainty in for Guides in
Measurement Metrology, JCGM,
(GUM) ILAC joins in
1998,
Why Uncertainty is Important

o To assess the reliability of the result

o To know the confidence that can be placed in any decisions based on its use

o In order to compare measurement results

Uncertainty Analysis

1. Absolut Uncertainty
Is uncertainty indicating in certificate of measuring instrument or data sheet of
instruments. For example, for Meter Ruler has Uncertainty ± 100µm. For Analog
Caliper ± 50µm (or 20µm).

𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕 𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒆

2. Fractional Uncertainty= 𝑴𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕
For Example: You take a measurement with analog micrometer
The Part measurement has length 12.5 mm and least count (absolute uncertainty)
is 5µm in this case fractional Uncertainty is :
𝐿𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡 0.005[𝑚𝑚]
= = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟒
𝑀𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 12.5 [𝑚𝑚]

𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕 𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒆

3. Percentage Uncertainty= ∗ 𝟏𝟎𝟎
𝑴𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕

𝐿𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡 0.005 𝑚𝑚

∗ 100 = ∗ 100 = 0.0004 ∗ 100 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟒%
𝑀𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 12.5 𝑚𝑚
The Concept of Uncertainty

The Mathematical Model of the Measurement

o How are influence factors and the measurand linked together?

o How can we model the measurement to simplify uncertainty
estimation?
o What does the Uncertainty tell us?

The GUM Method : www.bipm.org/en/publications/guides/

o What is the Guide to the expression of Uncertainty in Measurement

o Should I be afraid of it?
• Is it as complicated as it seems?
o Should I be Happy about it?
• Can it help me do things better?
The Concept of Uncertainty Estimation
Measurement process include many Errors and Uncertainties

Fig. 3: Error and Uncertainty

Two accepted way/professional Documents are used ;
1. ISO GUM ;
a. Type A : Uncertainty Based On Statistical Methods,
b. Type B : Uncertainty assigned based on other methods then statistical
2. The American National Standard Institutes For Material (ANSI/ASME).
o Systematical Errors
o Random Errors
The Concept of Uncertainty

Fig.4 :Interrelations between the concepts true value, measured value, error
and uncertainty.
Uncertainty
In EVERY measurement there is Uncertainty.

Why?
o Measuring Device
o Experimental procedure, technique, standards
o Nature of the measurement itself
o Difficult (e.g., Speed of light)

According to BIPM International vocabulary of metrology — Basic and

general concepts and associated terms (VIM);

Measurement Uncertainty is defined as :

Non-negative parameter characterizing the dispersion of the quantity
values being attributed to a measurand, based on the information
used
What is Uncertainty

o There will always be an Uncertainty about the value of result

o Even when correction factor have been applied

o Because there will be an Uncertainty on these factors

o There will also be an Uncertainty arising from random effects

o Uncertainty Is Related to ;
o SI Units
o Measurement and Instrumentation
o Tolerances
o National and International Standards
o Scientific, Industrial and Legal Metrology
Fig. 1: New SI
Unit
System
What is Measurement Uncertainty
Examples :
o A STANDARD DEVIATIONS (1σ) or multiple of it (e.g., 2σ or 3σ)
o The Half – width of an interval having a stated level of confidence.
o The Last Significant Digit (LSD) of a Digital Instrument
The resolution of the Digital Micrometer is 1µm. What is Uncertainty in the
measurements made by the instrument?
a) ±1 µm
b) ±2 µm
c) ±5 µm
d) ±10µm Resolution Uncertainty is LSD of instrument
𝑢 = ±𝐿𝑆𝐷 = 1𝜇𝑚
Design Stage Uncertainty

o Uncertainty defines an interval about the measured value within which we

suspected the true value must fall
o We call the process of identifying and quantifying errors as Uncertainty analysis.
Design Stage Uncertainty

Design-Stage Uncertainty analysis refers to an initial analysis performed prior to

the measurement.

Useful for selecting instruments, measurements techniques and to estimate the

minimum Uncertainty that would result from the measurement.
Design Stage Uncertainty Analysis
𝒖𝒅 = 𝒖𝟐𝟎 + 𝒖𝟐𝒄 (P%) RSS method for combining error

𝒖𝒅 = 𝒖𝟐𝟎 + 𝒖𝟐𝒄

Zero-Order Uncertainty Instrument

𝑢0 𝑢𝑐
Uncertainty
Design Stage Uncertainty
Zero-Order Uncertainty (Interpolation Error)

Even when all error are zero, the value of the measured must be affected by the
ability to resolve the information provided by the instrument. This is called zero-
order Uncertainty. At Zero-order, we assume that the variation expected in the
measurand will be less than that caused by the instrument resolution. And that all
other aspects of the measurement are perfectly controlled (Ideal Conditions).

𝒖𝟎 = ± 𝟏Τ𝟐 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 (𝟗𝟓%)

Instrumental Uncertainty , 𝒖𝒄
This information is available from manufacturer’s catalog
Design Stage Uncertainty
Specification : Typical Pressure Transducer
Operation Value
Input Range 0-1000 cm 𝐻2 𝑂
Excitation ±15 𝑉 𝐷𝐶
Output Range 0-5 V
Temperature Range 0-50°C nominal at 25°C
Performance
Linearity error 𝑒𝐿 ±0.5 % FSO
Hysteresis error 𝑒ℎ Less that ±0.15 % FSO
Sensitivity error 𝑒𝑠 ±0.25 % of reading
Thermal Sensitivity error 𝑒𝑠𝑇 0.02 % /°C of reading from 25°C
Thermal Zero drift 𝑒𝑍𝑇 0.02 % /°C FSO from of 25°C

The Root of Sum Square approach:

𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒔 = 𝒆𝟐𝟏 + 𝒆𝟐𝟐 + 𝒆𝟐𝟑 + ⋯ 𝒆𝟐𝒏 (95%)
Design Stage Uncertainty

Example: Consider the force measuring instrument described by the catalog data that follows.
Provide an estimate of the Uncertainty attributable to this instrument and the instrument Design
Stage Uncertainty.
Force Measuring Instrument
Resolution: 0.25 N
Range: 0-100 N
Linearity: within 0.20 over range
Repeatability: within 0.30 N over range
Known : Instrument Specification
Assume : Values representation of instrument 95% probability
Solution : Design Stage Uncertainty

𝒖𝒅 = 𝒖𝟐𝟎 + 𝒖𝟐𝒄
𝒖𝒅 = 𝟎. 𝟏𝟐𝟓𝟐 + 𝟎. 𝟑𝟔𝟐 = ±𝟎. 𝟑𝟖 𝑵

𝒖𝒄
𝒖𝟎
𝟏ൗ 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 = 𝟎. 𝟏𝟐𝟓 𝑵 𝒆𝟐𝟏 + 𝒆𝟐𝟐 = ± 𝟎. 𝟐𝟐 + 𝟎. 𝟑𝟐 = ±𝟎. 𝟑𝟔 𝑵
𝟐
Design Stage Uncertainty- Example
Example : A voltmeter is to be used to measure the output from a pressure transducer
that outputs an electrical signal. The Nominal pressure expected will be
~ 3𝑝𝑠𝑖 (3𝑙𝑏Τ𝑖𝑛2 ) . Estimate the design-state in this combination . The following
information is available.
Voltmeter Value
Resolution 10 µV
Accuracy Within 0.001 of reading
Output Range ±15 𝑉 𝐷𝐶
Range ±5 psi
Sensitivity 1 V/psi
Input Power 10 VDC ± 1%
Output ±5V
Linearity Within 2.5 mV/psi over range
Repeatability Within 2 mV/psi over range
Resolution Negligible
Known: Instrument Specifications
Assume : Values representation of İnstruments 95% probability
Solution:
Design Stage Uncertainty

Design Stage Uncertainty

2 2
𝑢𝑑 = 𝑢𝑑 𝐸 + 𝑢𝑑 𝑃

Design Stage Uncertainty Design Stage Uncertainty

2 2 2 2
𝑢𝑑 𝐸 = 𝑢0 𝐸 + 𝑢𝑐 𝐸 𝑢𝑑 𝑃 = 𝑢0 𝑃 + 𝑢𝑐 𝑃
Percentage Uncertainty Exercise–Multiplication and Division

Using a Voltmeter and Amperemeter we measure ;

Voltage : 5.2 ± 0.1 V
Current : 0.84± 0.05 A
We need to calculate Resistance Value and related Uncertainty :
𝑉 𝑉 5.2
𝑅 = 𝐼 ± 𝑢(?) = = = 6.19 = 6.2 Ω ± 8% or = 𝟔. 𝟐 ± 𝟎. 𝟓𝜴
𝐼 0.84

Percentage Uncertainty (V)

𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕 𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒆 𝟎.𝟏
Percentage Uncertainty= ∗ 𝟏𝟎𝟎 = ∗ 𝟏𝟎𝟎 = 𝟏. 𝟗𝟐 ≈ 𝟐 %
𝑴𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝟓.𝟏
Percentage Uncertainty (A)
𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕 𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒆 𝟎.𝟎𝟓
Percentage Uncertainty= 𝑴𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 ∗ 𝟏𝟎𝟎 = 𝟎.𝟖𝟒 ∗ 𝟏𝟎𝟎 = 𝟓. 𝟗𝟓 ≈6%
Resistance Percentage Uncertainty is sum of Voltage and Current Percentage Uncertainty :
Percentage Uncertainty of Resistance =𝟐 % +𝟔 % = 8 %
For Calculate the absolute Uncertainty of Resistance in Ohm value :
𝟖
%∗ 𝑹 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎 ∗ 𝟔. 𝟏𝟗 = 𝟎. 𝟒𝟗𝟓 ≈ 𝟎. 𝟓𝛀
Percentage Uncertainty Exercise–Multiplication and Division

Using a Voltmeter and Amperemeter we measure ;

Voltage : 5.2 ± 0.1 V
Current : 0.84± 0.05 A
We need to calculate Powers and related Uncertainty :
𝑅 = 𝑉 ∗ 𝐼 ± 𝑢(?) = 5.2*0.84= 4.368 = 4.37 𝑊 ± 8% or = 𝟒. 𝟒 ± 𝟎. 𝟑𝟓𝑾

Percentage Uncertainty (V)

𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕 𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒆 𝟎.𝟏
Percentage Uncertainty= 𝑴𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 ∗ 𝟏𝟎𝟎 = 𝟓.𝟏 ∗ 𝟏𝟎𝟎 = 𝟏. 𝟗𝟐 ≈ 𝟐 %
Percentage Uncertainty (A)
𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕 𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒆 𝟎.𝟎𝟓
Percentage Uncertainty= 𝑴𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 ∗ 𝟏𝟎𝟎 = 𝟎.𝟖𝟒 ∗ 𝟏𝟎𝟎 = 𝟓. 𝟗𝟓 ≈6%
Resistance Percentage Uncertainty is sum of Voltage and Current Percentage Uncertainty :
Percentage Uncertainty of Resistance =𝟐 % +𝟔 % = 8 %
For Calculate the absolute Uncertainty of Resistance in Ohm value :
𝟖
%∗ 𝑹 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎 ∗ 𝟒. 𝟑𝟔𝟖 = 𝟎. 𝟑𝟒𝟗 ≈ 𝟎. 𝟑𝟓𝛀
Percentage Uncertainty Exercise – Power Factors

𝟒 𝟑
𝑽 = 𝝅𝒓 𝒓 = 𝟐. 𝟐𝟓 ± 𝟎. 𝟎𝟏
𝟑
Rule : Percentage Uncertainty in V : Power Factor x Percentage Uncertainty in r
𝟎.𝟎𝟏 [𝒄𝒎]
4 4 Percentage Uncertainty in 𝐫 = ∗ 𝟏𝟎𝟎 = 𝟎. 𝟒𝟏 %
𝑉 = 𝜋𝑟 3 = 𝑉 = 𝜋 2.25 3 𝟐.𝟐𝟓[𝒄𝒎]
3 3 Percentage Uncertainty in V=3x0.4=1.2 %
𝑉 = 47.689 ≈ 47.69𝑐𝑚3 ±?
Absolut Uncertainty in Volume :
3
%
𝑉 = 47.689 ≈ 47.69𝑐𝑚 ± 0.6 𝑽 = ∗ 𝑴𝒆𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝑽𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑽
𝟏𝟎𝟎
𝟏. 𝟐
= ∗ 𝟒𝟕. 𝟔𝟖𝟗 = 𝟎. 𝟓𝟕𝟐 ≈ 𝟎. 𝟔
𝟏𝟎𝟎
Uncertainty: Analog Devices

Analog Measuring Device

± ½ ( the smallest scale division)

o At least! This best case Always

report
Uncertainty
42.0 ± to 1
0.5 mm significant
digit.

Fig. 6 : Measurement
with Line
Uncertainty: Analog Devices

9.0 V ± 0.5 V
Uncertainty has same #
decimal places as data

Fig. 7 : Measurement with Analog

Voltmetre
Uncertainty: Digital Devices

o Digital Measuring Devices

o ± Smallest unit shown
o Least Count

9.26 ± 0.01 V

Fig. 8 : Measurement with Digital Voltmetre

Modelling The Measurement

𝐿𝑀𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑑 = 𝐿 𝑇𝑟𝑢𝑒 + 𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝 + 𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 + 𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑑 +…….

𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝 = 𝑒𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡 + 𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝

𝑒𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝 = 𝑒𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝 𝑜𝑓𝑓−𝑠𝑒𝑡 + 𝑒𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 + 𝑒𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒

4 ∙ 𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠
𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔ℎ𝑡 =
𝜋 ∙ 𝐷𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 2 ∙ 𝐷𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦
Using Validation Data For Uncertainty

Effects Contributing to
Uncertainty

A Type (Random) B Type (Systematic)

𝑢𝑐 = 𝑢12 + 𝑢22

Uncertainty from long- Uncertainty accounting

term rando effects For long-term bias
 Thank You
Any Questions