Shock and vibration data logger

Shock and Vibration Logger with integrated 3-axis digital accelerometer and lithium-polymer battery

An acceleration logger - also called shock data logger or vibration data logger is a measurement instrument that is capable of autonomously recording shocks or vibrations over a defined period of time. The shock and vibration data can be retrieved, viewed and evaluated after it has been recorded.

Functions

A logger comprises sensors such as accelerometers, storage media, a processor and power supply. The sensors measure and store shocks either as the entire waveform, summary data, or an indication of whether a threshold value was observed . Some devices have accelerometers built into the unit while others can use external accelerometers. The processor processes the measured data and saves it on the storage media together with the associated measurement times. This allows the measurement data to be retrieved after the measurements have been completed, either directly on the logger or via an interface to a computer. Some have an RFID interface. Software is used to present the measured data in the form of tables or graphs and provides functions for the evaluation of the measurement data. The shock and vibration data is either recorded continuously over a defined time period or on an event-driven basis where the recording of data is determined by certain criteria. Employing such an event-based measurement method allows the recording of specific shocks that exceed a critical length of time or strength.

Acceleration loggers use non-volatile storage media for recording the measurement data. These may be hard disc drives or EEPROMs for instance. Such devices will not lose the data when the device is powered down. This also means that the measured data will remain stored in the event of a power failure.

Applications

Acceleration logger measuring vibrations on a tool carousel of a CNC lathe

Among other applications, acceleration sensors are used to:

• Monitor fragile and valuable goods during transit or during transfer at warehouses.
• Measure accelerations in motor vehicles, for example during the reconstruction of road accidents.
• Monitor machinery used on production lines that is sensitive to shocks or vibrations.
• Monitor and reduce wear in industrial plants and for increasing the performance of machines.
• Monitor goods of a critical nature during transportation.
• Measure vibrations in wind generators.
• Record movement data for health management, patient monitoring.
• Animal monitoring of breathing, walking, standing, lying and sleeping behaviour.
• Measuring acceleration for avalanche emergency systems.
• Determine the forces acting on people when riding rollercoasters.
• Establish accelerations for objects on conveyor belts.

Monitoring of goods in transit

Acceleration loggers can be used to monitor fragile and valuable goods during transit and to measure the transportation shock and vibration environment. The loggers are rigidly attached to the goods, packaging, or transport vehicles so that they can record the shocks and vibrations acting upon them. The measured data reveals whether the goods in transit have been subjected to potentially damaging conditions and, where applicable, when and how any damage occurred. Furthermore, the measurement data also provides information that can be used to compare modes of transit bases on shocks, impacts, vibration, etc. to help choose carriers or routes.

See also

• Data logger
• Accelerometer

References

Books, General References

• Gilmore (editor), Measurement and Analysis of the Distribution Environment, Final Report, Protective Packaging Committee IoPP, Hewlett Packard, 1999
• Yam, K. L., "Encyclopedia of Packaging Technology", John Wiley & Sons, 2009, ISBN 978-0-470-08704-6

Weblink

• Content DIN EN 15433-6:2008-02 at Beuth-Verlag