MECHANICAL MEASUREMENTS AND METROLOGY

Course code: 15ME1142

Unit 1 : Introduction to Measurements

 Definitions and Basic principles of Measurement Systems

• The word measurement is used to tell us the length, weight, temperature, color or a change in one of these physical entities
of a material

• Measurement provides us with means for describing various physical and chemical parameters of materials in quantitative
terms.

• It is a process of comparing the input signal (unknown magnitude) with a pre-defined standard and giving out the result.

• Operation of all machines are to be controlled (manually or automatically). Measuring the concerned variables is the first
requirement for controlling.

• The two basic requirements to be met to get good result from measurement:
 The standard must be accurately known and internationally accepted.
 The apparatus and experimental procedure adopted for comparison must be proven

Example of Measurement (Automobiles)

1. Speed of travel: It is measure for the safety of the occupants (Speedometer)
2. Distance travelled: This is measured to know the distance (Kms) travelled by the vehicle (Odometer)
3. Fuel level: This is measured to know the quantity of fuel available in the fuel tank of the vehicle
4. Engine temperature: This is measured to know the temperature of the engine for safety.
 Measurand (quantity
to be measured)

Standard (known Process of comparison

quantity) (Measurement)

Result (read out)

Fig: Fundamental Measuring Process

 Methods of Measurement

1. Direct Comparison Method:

• The measurand (unknown quantity) is directly compared with the standard.
• The result of measurement is a number and a unit.
• Used for measuring physical quantities such as time, mass, length etc.
• When the measurand is very small, human being cannot use this method
with accuracy and precision. Hence a major constraint

2. Indirect Comparison Method:

• These measurement systems (instrumentation) have transducer element
• It converts the measurand from one form to another (analogous signal)
without changing the information content
• The analogous signal then processed and sent to the end devices which will
give the result of measurement.
• The input signal is converted to some other form and then compared with
standard.
 INSTRUMENTATION (Measurement system)

• Definition
 The technology of using instruments (measurement systems) to measure and control physical and chemical
properties of materials
or
 It is a branch of engineering science that deals with techniques used for measurement, the measurement
devices used and the problems associated with the techniques used for measurement.

Uses of Instrumentation

• To study the function of different components and determine the cause of all functioning of the system
• To test a product or material for quality control
• To discover effective components
• To develop new theories
• Monitor data in the interest of health and safety
Input, Output Configuration of a Measuring Instrument

An instrument performs an operation on an input quantity to provide an output called measurement.

Input – i Output – o Operational transfer function - G

Types of inputs

1. Desired input: A quantity that the instrument is specifically intended to measure. (oD=GD*iD )

2. Interfering Input: a quantity to which the instrument is unintentionally sensitive. (o I=GI*iI )

3. Modifying Input: a quantity that modifies the input-output relationship for both the desired and interfering inputs.
 Examples (Desired, Interfering and Modifying inputs)

The desired inputs p1 and p2 whose difference

causes the output x, which can be read off
the calibrated scale.

Measuring pressures under acceleration influence; an

error will be engendered because of the interfering acceleration input.

If the manometer is not properly aligned with the

gravity vector, it give an interfering output signal
(also a modifying input).

Modifying inputs: ambient temperature and gravitational force.

Both the desired and the interfering inputs may be altered by the modifying inputs.
 Methods of Measurement

• The complexity of an instrument system depends on

1. The measurement being made

2. Accuracy level to which the measurement is needed

• Based on the complexity of the measurement system, the measurement systems are generally categorized into

1. Primary measurement system

2. Secondary measurement system

3. Tertiary measurement system

 Methods of Measurement
Primary Measurement system

• The required value of the physical parameter is determined by comparing it directly with reference standards
• The required information is obtained through senses of sight and touch
• No involvement of any conversion

Long vs. Short

Hot vs. Cold
 Methods of Measurement
Secondary Measurement system
• The required value of the physical parameter is obtained by one translation
• The measurand (input) in converted from one form to other form – Transducing
• Transducer: The device that converts the measurand from one form to another (analogous signal) without changing the
information content

Example: Displacement measurement by Bellow gauges

 Methods of Measurement
Tertiary Measurement system
• The required value of the physical parameter is obtained by two translations

Example: Pressure measurement by Bourdon tube gauge

Primary Secondary Tertiary
Signal Bourdon Signal Rack and Signal
(Pressure) Tube Small Pinion Large Displacement of
First Displacement Secondary pointer on the scale
Translation Translation
 Classification of Instruments
1. Automatic and Manual Instruments:
Example: Hg-in-glass thermometer : Automatic Instrument
Resistance thermometer : Manual Instrument since it incorporated Wheatstone bridge in circuit
2. Self-generating (Active) and Power-operated instruments (Passive)
Active: Example : Hg-in-Glass thermometer, Dial indicator, Bourdon gauge, Pitot tube etc.
Passive: Some instruments require some auxiliary source of power such as compressed air, electricity, hydraulic
supply etc. for their operation and hence externally powered (Passive) Instruments. The input signals supplies only an
insignificant portion of the output power.
Example: LVDT – Displacement, force, pressure; Photo-conductive transducer – Light to resistance info
Strain Gauge load cell using Wheatstone bridge; Resistance thermometers and thermistors
3. Self-contained and Remote indicating instruments
• Self contained: The different elements of the a self-contained instrument are contained in one physical assembly
• Remote Indicating: The primary sensing element may be located at a sufficiently long distance from secondary
indicating element.
4. Deflection and Null output instruments
Example: Spring Balance, Dial indicators
Pan Balance, Wheatstone bridge circuit

Deflection Type Null Type

 Classification of Instruments
5. Analog and Digital instruments:
Analog: The signals of an analog unit vary in a continuous fashion and can take on infinite number of values in a
given range.
Examples: Fuel Gauge, Ammeter, Voltmeters, Wristwatch, Speedometer
Digital: Signals that vary in discrete steps and that take a finite number of different values in a given range. The
digital instruments convert a measured analog value into digital quantity which is displayed numerically. The output
may either be a digit (pulse or step) for every successive increment of input.
Examples: Digital multimeter, Digital speedometer.
6. Absolute and Secondary instruments:
Absolute instruments measures the process variable directly from the process without the use of conversion.
They do not require comparison with any standard.
Secondary instruments require to be calibrated with respect to the standard instrument
7. Mechanical, Electrical and electronic instruments:
Mechanical: Simple in construction and design. No external power source required. Remote indication not
possible. Cause noise and do not give accurate results
Electrical: More rapid indication. Involves conversion of electrical quantity to mechanical movement on scale.
Electronic: Respond quickly to dynamic and transient conditions. Light in weight, compact, consume less power,
highly reliable. Have high sensitivity and flexibility and remote indication is possible. Non-contacting
measurement is also possible.
8. Contacting and Non-contacting type instruments
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ui_uM7yyKuU
 Elements of Measurement System
Input signal Output signal
Measurement System
Measurand Measurement

Measuring Observer
medium

Primary Sensing Element Data Storage/Playback Element

Input Stage / Terminating
Detector- Stage
Variable Conversion Element Transducer Stage
or Data Presentation Element
Transducer Element

Variable Manipulation Element Data Transmission Element Data Processing Element

Intermediate Modifying Stage

 Elements of Measurement System
1. Primary Sensing Element:
• It is the first element of a measurement system
• It is sensitive to the measured variable
• The sensing elements sense the condition, state or value of the process variable by extracting a small part of energy from
the measurand and then produce an output which reflects this condition, state or value of the measurand
• Because of this extraction of energy, the measured quantity is always disturbed by the act of measurement and that
makes a perfect measurement theoretically impossible.
• Good instruments are designed to minimize this effect
2. Variable conversion / Transducer element:
• An element that converts the signal from one physical form into another without changing the information content of the
signal
• The signal after transduction is more suitable for purpose of measurement and control
• This process may be from mechanical, electrical or optical to any other related form
Examples:
i. Bourdon tube and Bellows: Pressure into displacement
ii. Rack pinion: Linear motion to rotary motion and vice versa
iii. Thermocouples: Temperature information into emf
3. Variable Manipulation Element:
• It manipulates its input to get a magnified output i.e., the input signal is amplified to get the output
• Both the input and output signals are of the same form
 Elements of Measurement System

4. Data Transmission Element:

• It transmits the signal from one location to another without changing its information content
• Data may be transmitted over long distances (one location to another) or medium range distances (from a test center to a
nearby computer) or short distance (shaft to gear)

5. Data Processing Element:

• It modifies the data before it is displayed or finally recorded
• Data processing may be used for :
i. Corrections to the measured physical variables to compensate for scaling, non-linearty, zero-offset, temperature
error et.
ii. Perform repeated calculations that involve addition, subtraction, multiplication or division of two or more physical
quantities and their associated contents
iii. Collect information regarding average, statistical, and logarithmic values
iv. Convert the data into useful form – calculation of engine efficiency from speed, power and torque developed
v. Separate out signal buried in noise, generate information for displays
 Elements of Measurement System
6. Data Presentation Element:
• The information of the measured quantity is to be presented to human being for monitoring, control or analysis purpose
• The information of the measurand has to be put in a form that is understandable to human being
Examples: Pointer moving over a scale, recording of a pen moving over a chart

7. Data Storage and Playback element: This element stores the data or information and presents the same when commanded
Example: Pen-ink recording, Magnetic tape recorder, Computer

Depending on the type of requirement and nature of the measurement technique, the measurement system may incorporate the
following auxiliary functional elements:

1. Calibration element that provides built-in calibration facility

2. External power source
3. Microprocessor which is part of signal conditioning stage
4. Feedback element that provides deliberate guidance or manipulation in control systems to maintain a process or operation at
a set point or to change in accordance with a preset program.
 Stages of Measurement System
1. Input Stage or Detector/Transducer stage:
• This stage is acted upon by the input signal (measurand)
• This input signal is transformed into some other physical form

2. Intermediate Modifying Stage:

• Signal amplification to increase the power or amplitude of the signal without affecting its waveform since the output
from the detector-transducer stage is too small to operate an indicator and hence amplification is necessary
• Signal filtration to extract the desired information and remove the unwanted noise signals that tend to obscure the
transducer signal
• Signal modification to provide a digital signal from an analog signal or vice versa or change the form of output
• Data Transmission to telemeter the data for remote reading and recording

3. Output Stage
• This constitutes the data display, record or control.
• The data presentation stage collects the output from the signal-conditioning element and presents the same to be read or
seen : Visual display, Numerical readout, graphic record, audible alarms
Elements of Measurement System (Example)
 Performance Characteristics of a Measuring Instrument

• Characteristics: The quantitative representation of the performance of an instrument.

 Static Characteristics

 Dynamic Characteristics

Static Characteristics
• These pertain to a system where quantities to be measured are constant or those that vary slowly with time.
• Example: Temperature of a furnace
• The measurand may be subjected to sudden changes or steps (thermometer thrust into hot liquid)
• The signal may fluctuate rapidly.

Dynamic Characteristics
• These pertain to a system where quantities to be measured are ‘time varying process variable’
• They quantify the dynamic relation (time sensitive) between the input and output of an instrument
 Static Characteristics
• Range and Span
• Accuracy, Error and Correction
• Calibration
• Repeatability
• Reproducibility
• Precision
• Sensitivity
• Threshold
• Resolution
• Drift
• Hysteresis and Dead Zone

1. Range and Span

• The region between the limits in which an instrument is designed to operate for measuring, indicating or recording a
physical quantity – Range
• Span represents the algebraic difference between the upper and lower ranges of the instruments
Example:
• Range: -10 K to 80 K ; Span = 90 K
• Range: 5 bar to 100 bar ; Span = 95 bar
• Range: 0 volts to 75 volts ; Span = 75 volts
 Static Characteristics
2. Accuracy, Error and Correction
• Accuracy of an indicated value (measured) is defined as closeness to an accepted standard value
(true value)

• The difference between measured value (Vm) and true value (Vt) of the quantity is expressed as
instrument error
(ES = Vm – Vt) : ‘Static Error or Absolute Error of Measurement’

• Static correction is defined as the difference between the true value and the measured value of the
quantity. CS = Vt – Vm

• The correction of the instrument reading is of the same magnitude as error but opposite sign
(CS = - ES)
 Static Characteristics
Error Specification

Point Accuracy: The accuracy of an instrument is stated for one or more points in its range
Example: Thermometer can read within 0.5 oC between 100 oC and 200 oC

Percentage of true value or the Relative Error: The absolute error of measurement is expressed as a % of true value of the
unknown quantity

Percentage of full scale deflection: The error is calculated on the basis of the maximum value of the scale
 Static Characteristics

Calibration
• The magnitude of the error and the corresponding correction to be made is determined by periodic comparison of
the instrument with known standards (constant)
• The procedure for making, adjusting or checking a scale so that readings of the instrument conform to accepted
standard is called as Calibration.
• The graphical representation of the calibration record in called Calibration Curve
• This curve relates standard values of measurand to actual values of output throughout the operating range of the
instrument.
• The comparison may be made with
 A primary standard
 Secondary standard of accuracy greater than the instrument to be calibrated
 A known input source
 Static Characteristics
Hysteresis:
• The magnitude of output for a given input depends upon the direction of the change in input (ascending or descending).
• This dependence of output upon previous inputs is called Hysteresis.
• It represents non-coincidence of loading and un-loading curves.
• It is the maximum difference for the same measured quantity between the up-scale and down-scale readings during full
transverse in each direction.
• Hysteresis results from the presence of irreversible phenomenon such as
 mechanical friction,
 slack motion in bearings and gears,
 elastic deformation,
 magnetic and thermal effects
• It can occur in electronic systems due to heating and cooling effects which occur differentially under conditions of rising
and falling input.

Dead Zone
• It is the largest range through which an input signal can be
varied without initiating any response from the indicating
instrument.
• Dead zone is defined as the largest change of input quantity for
which there is no output of the instrument. It is basically range
of input value for which output is zero.
• Friction or play is the main cause
 Static Characteristics

Drift
• It is an undesirable gradual departure of the instrument output over a period of time that is unrelated to changes in
input., operating conditions or load.
• If an instrument reproduces same readings at different timings for same variation in measured variables – No Drift
• Zero drift is said to set in when there is a gradual shift in the entire calibration due to slippage, permanent set or due
to under warming up of electronic tube circuits
• Span drift or Sensitivity drift – If there is proportional change in the indication all along upward scale
• Zonal drift – if the drift occurs only over a portion of the span of an instrument
• Causes of Drift
 Wear and tear at the mating parts
 Mechanical vibrations
 Containment of primary sensing elements
 Development of high mechanical stresses in some parts
 Temperature changes, stray electric and magnetic fields
 Static Characteristics

Sensitivity
• It is the ratio of the magnitude of the response (output signal) to the magnitude of the quantity being measured (input
signal)

• It is represented by the slope of the calibration curve if the ordinates (Y axis values) are expressed in their actual values.
• For linear calibration curve – sensitivity is constant
• For a non-linear calibration curve – sensitivity is not constant and must be specified in terms of input value
• It has wide range of inputs depending on the instrument.

Threshold and Resolution

• The smallest increment of quantity being measured which can be detected with certainty by an instrument represents
the threshold and resolution of the instrument
• When the input is gradually increased from zero, there will be some minimum value input before which the instrument
will not detect any output change.
• Threshold defines the minimum value of input which is necessary to cause detectable change from zero output.
• Resolution defines the smallest change of input for which there will be a change of output.
 Static Characteristics

Precision and Repeatability

• Refers to the closeness among several measurements of the same true value with the same instrument, by the same
operator over a short time span.
• Precision refers to the degree of agreement within a group of measurements i.e., it prescribes the ability of the instrument
to reproduce its readings over and over again for a constant input signal.
• Stability refers to the reproducibility of the mean reading of an instrument , repeated on different occasions separated by
intervals of time which are long compared with the time of taking a reading.
• Reproducibility is the closeness between measurements of the same quantity when the individual measurements are
made under different conditions
• Constancy refers to the reproducibility of the mean reading of an instrument when a constant input is presented
continuously and the conditions of the test are allowed to vary within specified limits

Linearity
• The working range of most of the instruments provide a linear relationship between the output and input.
• Linearity is defined as the ability to reproduce the input characteristics symmetrically, i.e., by the straight line equation.
• The closeness of the calibration curve to a specified straight line is the linearity of the instrument.
 Static Characteristics

Tolerance: Range of inaccuracy which can be tolerated in measurements ; it is the maximum possible permissible error.

Readability and Least count

• Readability indicates the closeness with which the scale of the instrument may be read.
• Least count represents the smallest difference that can be detected on the instrument scale.

Backlash: The maximum distance or angle through which any part of a mechanical system may be moved in one direction
without applying appreciable force or motion to the next part in a mechanical system.

Zero stability: A measure of the ability of the instrument to restore to zero reading after the measurand has returned to zero
and other variations such as temperature, pressure, humidity, vibration etc. have been removed

Stiction (Static Force): Force or torque that is necessary just to initiate motion from rest.
 Static Characteristics

Consider three instruments X, Y and Z, measuring the true value of 10mm.

Instrument Measured Values (mm)
11

9.91, 9.92, 9.91, 9.94, 9.93, 9.91, True Value

9.95, 9.92, 9.92, 9.93 Instrument X
X Accurate High Precision 10.5 Instrument Y
Instrument Z
9.11, 9.12, 9.11, 9.13, 9.14, 9.12,
9.11, 9.13, 9.14, 9.15 10
Y Low Accuracy High
precision
9.5
9.3, 9.2, 9.1, 9.7, 9.05, 9.5, 9.4,
9.35, 9.6, 9.55
Z Low Accuracy Low Precision
9
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
 Fig: Dartboards showing different accuracy and precision scenarios.
 Dynamic Characteristics

1. Speed of response and measuring lag

• The speed of response or responsiveness is defined as the rapidity with which an instrument responds to a change in the
value of the quantity being measured.
It shows how active and fast the system is.
Speed of measuring instruments
• Measuring lag refers to retardation or delay in the response of an instrument to a change in the input signal.
2. Fidelity and Dynamic error
• Fidelity of an instrumentation system is defined as the degree of closeness with which the system indicates or records
the signal which is impressed upon it.
• It refers to the ability of the system to reproduce the output in the same form as the input.
• The difference between the indicated quantity and the true value of the time varying quantity is the dynamic error.
3. Overshoot
• Because of mass and inertia, a moving part of the instrument does not immediately come to rest in the final deflected
position. The pointer goes beyond the steady state i.e., it overshoots
• The overshoot is defined as the maximum amount by which the pointer moves beyond the steady state.
 Errors

• Error: Difference between the measured value (Vm) and the true value (Vt) of a physical quantity.
• The accuracy of an instrument is measured in terms of error
Static Error, Es = Vm – Vt
• If the instrument reads higher than true value – Positive Error
If the instrument reads lower than the true value – Negative Error

Sources of Errors

• Calibration of instrument
• Instrument reproducibility
• Measuring arrangement
• Work piece
• Environmental conditions
• Observer’s skill
 Errors - Classification

1. Systematic or Fixed Errors

a) Calibration Errors
b) Human Errors (Observational and Operational)
c) Loading Errors (Systematic interaction errors)
d) Errors of technique
e) Experimental errors
2. Random or Accidental Errors
a) Error of judgement
b) Variation of condition
3. Illegitimate Errors
a) Blunder or mistakes
b) Computational errors
c) Chaotic errors
 Errors - Classification

1. Systematic Errors: They occur due to the use of improper procedures / conditions. They are consistent in action i.e., they
have same magnitude and sign.
a) Calibration Errors: Calibration is a process of giving a known input to the instrument and taking necessary actions
to see that the output matches with input. They are fixed errors due to improper calibration of the instrument
b) Human Errors: Observation and operations errors. They are due to improper observation made by the user of the
instrument. Operational errors occur due to improper use of the instrument.
c) Loading Errors: The instrument always take energy from the measurand and due to this, the signal source is altered
by the act of measurement. This effect is called loading. As the measurand loses energy due to this, such errors are
introduced.
Examples: Thermometer – when a thermometer is introduced, it alters the thermal capacity of the system and
heat leakage takes place.
Reading of a hand tachometer will vary depending on the pressure with which it is pressed on the shaft
d) Errors of Technique: Improper use of the exact technique for executing an operation.
e) Experimental Errors: They are due to faults in the equipment. The accuracy is affected due to limitations in its
design and construction. Examples- Improper assembly of components, selection of improper material.
 Errors - Classification

2. Random Errors: The errors whose magnitude and sign vary. Results in lack of consistency is the measured value for the
same input. They care caused due to defects in the elements of the instrument

a) Judgement Errors: They are made while making judgement of the results.

b) Variation of condition: Due to the difference in prevalent condition of the instrument (place of manufacture,
calibration and place of usage) – Pressure, temperature, humidity etc. are different.

 If a Hg-in-glass thermometer is located at a place where the air pressure is high, the air pressure acts on the
walls of the thermometer causing the mercury level to rise for no change in temperature

 A bourdon-tube pressure gauge has a link-sector-pinion arrangement. The link may expand if the ambient
temperature increases, causing an error.

 The instrument has to be calibrated at the place of use.

 Atmospheric temperatures are to be monitored

 The instrument is to be used in conditions as prescribed by the manufacturer

 Errors - Classification

3. Illegitimate Errors: These errors are due to blunders on the part of the person using the instrument. They may also be
due to faulty instrument, faulty adjustment, improper use of the instrument

a) Blunders or Mistakes: Human mistakes while adopting the right procedure.

b) Computational Errors: Due to mistakes in computation of results by the human user.

c) Chaotic Errors:

• Errors induced by random disturbances such as vibrations, noises, shocks etc. of sufficient magnitude that tend
to affect the measurand.

• These results due to loss in input signal during transmission.