Conference Session

Instrumentation and Measurements: Innovative Course Development

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

David Farrow, University of Tennessee-Martin

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

• Sampling rate theory and Fourier transform • Significant figures and rounding • Uncertainty Analysis • Strain gages and Wheatstone bridges • Transducers for mechanical measurement (position, velocity, acceleration, and force) • Analysis of variance (ANOVA)These are essentially chapters 1-5, 7, and 8 of Wheeler and Ganji, which are supplemented bythe lab experiences, which were developed by the author/instructor. Report writing isemphasized in the lab section, and report formatting and grading issues are discussed in a latersection of this paper.Course content delivery, student deliverables, and examsThe lecture portion of the course meets twice a week for 50 minutes, during which aconventional lecture is delivered which

Conference Session

Modern Software Measurement Techniques

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

El-Sayed Aziz, Stevens Institute of Technology; Sven Esche, Stevens Institute of Technology; Constantin Chassapis, Stevens Institute of Technology

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

infeasible using the realequipment. For example, students use a real beam setup (see Figure 1), apply a sequence ofgiven forces at the free edge of the beam through a graphical user interface (GUI), and submitthe request to a Web server10,11,12. They then receive the experimental results delivered back tothe client side. Figure 1: Remote Beam ExperimentWith the development of the virtual laboratories described in this paper, the students furthermorehave the ability to change the beam dimensions, the beam material, and the location along thebeam axis or laterally besides the hole where the strain is to be determined. These parameterswere included into the simulation model, and their effects can thus be demonstrated with

Conference Session

Modern Software Measurement Techniques

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Charles Neuman, Queensborough Community College; David Lieberman, Queensborough Community College; Don Engelberg, Queensborough Community College; Alex Flamholz, Queensborough Community College; Paul Marchese, Queensborough Community College; George Tremberger, Queensborough Community College; Tak Cheung, Queensborough Community College

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

well documented 1, 2, 3, 4 . Computation andprogramming for a lecture setting was also reported 5. Various independent projects usingLabVIEW were well documented in many publications 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. It is accepted that the useof LabVIEW is invaluable in general but is limited to hands-on intensive situations13. Ourexperience in using LabVIEW in our laser engineering technology program is consistent 14:LabVIEW’s virtual instrumentation and internet remote access features are not effective forhands-on intensive lab exercises.The teaching of introductory engineering physics lab exercises can be enhanced with LabVIEW.The virtual instrumentation and computational capabilities are incorporated into the laboratoryexercises. The virtual

Conference Session

Novel Measurement Experiments

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Henrik Åkesson, Blekinge Institute of Technology; Lars Hakansson, Blekinge Institute of Technology; Ingvar Gustavsson, Blekinge Institute of Technology; Ingvar Claesson, Blekinge Institute of Technology; Johan Zackrisson, Blekinge Institute of Technology; Thomas Lago, Acticut Inernational AB

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

proposed to be used to increase the possibilities for students to access practicaland theoretical knowledge in experimental vibration analysis. A remote laboratorywithin the field of experimental vibration analysis is running at Blekinge Institute ofTechnology (BTH). The students have the possibility to perform experiments at any time24/7, from anywhere in the world. Also other laboratories have been set up previouslyon BTH,1, 2 and also by other universities around the world.3, 4 For the industry it isfundamental to maintain their competence as well as gaining new knowledge for e.g. theengineering staff. Thus, the possibilities with distance education are likely to provideimportant opportunities also for the industry.The remote laboratory at BTH

Conference Session

Modern Software Measurement Techniques

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Roger Lee, Coherent Systems International; Rafic Bachnak, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

. Using the database driven approach in the software development, this paper alsodiscusses how the software package can be changed and used to solve problems in anyother engineering and technology curricula. Finally, this paper describes how thissoftware package developed in MATLAB can be converted into a C/C++ source codeand then compiled the source code into a stand-alone executable system.1. IntroductionIn the signal-processing environment, computer simulation is used extensively indeveloping complex systems, including radar performance systems [1]. To analyze theperformance of these radars at a system level, it is practical to rely on basic radarprinciples to model their performance, using the top-level parameters to characterize theradar

Conference Session

Contemporary Instrumentation

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

David Hergert, Miami University

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

well. The function m_CommPort.Open is used to configure an Page 11.371.2RS-232 port. An example that sets the port for 600 baud, 7 data bits, no parity, 2 stop bits, and a13 character buffer would be:m_CommPort.Open(1, 600, 7, Rs232.DataParity.Parity_None, _ Rs232.DataStopBit.StopBit_2, 13)To write a character to the port use the “m_CommPort.Write” function. An example that writesthe character D to the port would be:m_CommPort.Write("D")The m_CommPort.Read() function assumes that bytes are being read. An examples that wouldread 13 bytes would be:m_CommPort.Read(13)Finally m_CommPort.Close()is used to close the RS-232 port.Retrieving

Conference Session

Developing New Instrumentation

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Radian Belu, Wayne State University

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

, 2006 Development and Implementation of a Cooperative/Distributed Instrumentation and Measurement Laboratory for Diverse-Student Population1. IntroductionThe foundation for quality in product design and manufacturing is instrumentation andmeasurement, so it is somewhat surprising that Instrumentation and Measurements(I&M) has never been a major curriculum at universities1-7. Ideally, a properly trainedworkforce of engineers and technicians should have expert skills in measurements andinstrumentation to maintain higher productivity, and to improve safety standards in theindustry. There is evidence [1-12] that the complexities inherent in the new era ofautomation and intelligent systems require higher degree of

Conference Session

Novel Measurement Experiments

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Terrance Lovell, Pennsylvania State University-Berks; Dale Litwhiler, Pennsylvania State University-Berks

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

was used to capture images of various electrical meter displays for the purpose ofextracting the displayed readings. Both digital (LCD) and analog (dials) were used. The LCD ofa handheld digital voltmeter was used for the digital display tests. A typical residential Watt-hour meter was used for the analog display tests. The webcam was controlled by and the imageswere analyzed by LabVIEW VISION software.Hardware Overview Figure 1. RSR 926 Digital MultimeterFor this undergraduate research project, common, readily available meters were used. Figure 1shows the RSR 926 DMM that was used for the digital display work. This meter is regularlyused in the laboratories at Penn State Berks. The CL200 General Electric watt-hour

Conference Session

Instrumentation and Measurements: Innovative Course Development

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

David Muff, Iowa State University; Theodore Heindel, Iowa State University; Sriram Sundararajan, Iowa State University

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

,conductively coupled noise is demonstrated through ground loops. Once this laboratory exerciseis completed, students have an appreciation for how electromagnetic noise may be introducedinto a measurement system, and how the effects of this noise can be minimized.1 Background Mechanical Engineering Measurements and Instrumentation, commonly referred to asME 370 at Iowa State University (identified as ME 370 in this paper), is a required course in themechanical engineering undergraduate curriculum. The course covers various measurement andinstrumentation topics, as well as data acquisition and analysis. Since electromagnetic noise ispart of every measurement system[1-4], it is important for students to be able to recognize itssource. The goal

Conference Session

Novel Measurement Experiments

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jun Kondo, University of Hartford; Santiago Noriega, University of Hartford; Devdas Shetty, University of Hartford

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

vibration analysis systemusing innovative laser based methodology at a lower cost than the current systemsavailable.Currently the laser Doppler scanning vibrometer is the most commonly used laserbased vibration measuring system.The Doppler Effect:It is basically the change in frequency (f) of the laser beam wavelength (λ). Page 11.960.3A laser beam emits a continuous wave with the frequency f and the wavelength λ.A series of successive waves spaced at regular intervals (wave train) with awavelength λ pass a stationary object in the time T = 1/f. If the object movesaway from the beam source at the speed v, then the wave train needs a slightlylonger time T’, to pass

Conference Session

Instrumentation and Measurements: Innovative Course Development

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Sri Kolla, Bowling Green State University; Joseph Mainoo, Bowling Green State University

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

, Devicenet, Ethernet, Foundation Fieldbus,Profibus are increasingly used in instrumentation and control system implementations these days[1]. Sensors, controllers, and actuators are connected as nodes in these networks instead ofhardwiring the devices with point-to-point connections. These networks, collectively calledfieldbus networks, reduce system wiring and provide easy system diagnosis and maintenance. Itis important to integrate fieldbus networks topic in instrumentation and control system courses inorder to make the content of these courses up-to-date with the current industrial practice.There is significant literature available on fieldbus networks [1-3]. Hulsebos has beenmaintaining a comprehensive web site since 1999 that lists various

Conference Session

Novel Measurement Experiments

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Richard Hoehn, Middle Tennessee State University; Saleh Sbenaty, Middle Tennessee State University; William Day, Middle Tennessee State University

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

, which is composed of N2and CO2, is constantly circulated within aclear acrylic chamber to ensure eventemperature, humidity, and gas distribution.The chamber and the control system areshown in Figure. 1.This research is the direct result of anextensive collaboration between the authorand his graduate advisor from theDepartment of Engineering Technology andIndustrial Studies on one side and theDirector of the Horse Science Laboratory atMTSU on the other. The initial research was Fig. 1. CCSI and its Controller.partially the result of an UndergraduateResearch and Scholarly Creative Activities, URSCA, grant titled “Designing, Building, andTesting a Microcontroller-Based System for Industrial Applications.” The research has evolvedinto

Conference Session

Contemporary Instrumentation

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mark Rajai, Northern Kentucky University; Hank Javan, University of Memphis; Seyed Allameh, Northern Kentucky University; Horold Wiebe, Northern Kentucky University

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

University of Memphis offers an M.S.degree in engineering technology with concentrations in electronics, computer andmanufacturing. This is in addition to its undergraduate degrees in electronics, computer andmanufacturing technology. Students select their field of concentration according to their futureprofessional goals.In the Masters program, each concentration offers its own graduate courses outlined in theGraduate Bulletin of the university [1]. In contrast to undergraduate programs that are highlyfocused on their particular concentration, this graduate program is less focused and morediverse. Moreover, some of the graduate courses are offered at night making it possible for themembers of the professional community to enroll in this program. In

Conference Session

Contemporary Instrumentation

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Seyed Allameh, Northern Kentucky University; Morteza Sadat-Hossieny, Northern Kentucky University; Paul Cooper, Northern Kentucky University

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

fact is that the material used is engineered by naturewith layered or fibrous structures. Usually there is a hard layer or fiber which issandwiched or embedded in a matrix of a softer phase that acts as glue (Figure 1). The Page 11.775.2latter provides toughness to the otherwise hard brittle material. The polymer or softmaterial does not prevent the cracking of the hard layer; however, the crack does notpropagate straight up and down across the layers. Rather, it changes its plane acrosslayers (Figure 1). Cracks accommodate the extension necessary for the material undertensile stress; however, the layered structure will stay together by the

Conference Session

Modern Software Measurement Techniques

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Tracey Windley, University of Idaho; Jasper Nance, University of Idaho; Kevin Buck, University of Idaho; Herbert Hess, University of Idaho

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

collectionprocess that would take days by hand could take minutes if automated by a computer.Automated test systems also facilitate repeatability in measurement for cases when tests need tobe performed numerous times. A solution to the problem of data organization and storage is to use a database. Figure 1shows a simple representation of a database.Figure 1. Database Representation A database is the equivalent of a virtual data spreadsheet. Each row in the data entrytable represents a data entity, and all the fields in that row contain the pertinent data recordedduring each formal test. Aside from the actual raw data, this information can include theresearcher’s name, the date the data was recorded, the instruments used to record the data

Conference Session

Developing New Instrumentation

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jahangir Ansari, Virginia State University; Yoon Kim, Virginia State University

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

acquisitiontechnology to be used for obtaining vibration characteristic of a bell shaped-structure.Experiment Setup and ProcedureThe system consisted of a Data Acquisition (DAQ) board installed on a PC, an accelerometer, animpulse hammer, and connection cables.LabVIEW 7.1 1 was used for experimental measurements of the first five natural frequencies andcorresponding mode shapes of a bell. The experimental modal parameters obtained by impacttesting are compared with corresponding results obtained by a finite-element analysis to verifythe accuracy of the experimental results.The experiment setup of impulse excitation for this study is illustrated in Figure 1. NationalInstruments’ LabVIEW 7.1 software and National Instruments’ PCI-4474 data aquisition board

Conference Session

Instrumentation and Measurements: Innovative Course Development

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hong Zhang, Rowan University; Courtney Richmond, Rowan University; Ying Tang, Rowan University; Patricia Mosto, Rowan University

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

. Video RF Transceiver Transmitter Figure 1: Block diagram of the agent. Page 11.1101.3 We started with a simple agent-server approach. In the development of the IMAPS,there have been several iterative phases of improvement. The current configurations ofthe two parts are illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure 2. The field agent takes the form of amodel boat. Depending on working conditions or design preference, it can take onvarious shapes, such as a torpedo, a racing boat, or a pontoon. In order to have thecapability to maneuver and sample the water effectively, the agent was

Conference Session

Developing New Instrumentation

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Narciso Macia, Arizona State University

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

has been effective in enhancing student understandingand retention of control system theory.IntroductionThe teaching of control systems is enhanced by supplementing the lecture material withlaboratory activity. The laboratory activity should reinforce the theory presented in class byproviding a platform in which the theory can be applied. This paper summarizes a series oflaboratory activities dealing with a closed-loop, position control system that utilizes dual DC-solenoids as the drivers, and PC as the controller. This work is an update of a similar positioncontrol system that utilized a single DC solenoid and an op-amp circuit as the controller [1

Conference Session

Instrumentation and Measurements: Innovative Course Development

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

David Beams, University of Texas-Tyler

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

EENG 4109 in 1999. Permanent copies of the Page 11.1045.2Project TUNA hardware were constructed in 2000. Project TUNA has been used in thelaboratory curriculum since that time.A block diagram of Project TUNA is shown in Fig. 1.Fig. 1. Block diagram of Project TUNAProject TUNA relies upon switching phase-sensitive demodulation to measure both themagnitude and phase of the input voltage Vin and output voltage Vo of the network under test. AnAgilent HP33120A arbitrary waveform generator furnishes a sinusoidal signal to three unity-gainquadrature networks. Each quadrature network contains four two-pole unity-gain all-pass filtersarranged in two

Conference Session

Modern Software Measurement Techniques

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ruiqing Jia, China University of Mining and Technology; Shanjun Xu, China University of Mining and Technology; Songyun Gao, China University of Mining and Technology; El-Sayed Aziz, Stevens Institute of Technology; Sven Esche, Stevens Institute of Technology; Constantin Chassapis, Stevens Institute of Technology

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

Molding Division, the distinguished Assistant Professor Award at Stevens, an Honorary Master’s Degree from Stevens Institute of technology, and the Tau Beta Pi Pi Academic Excellence Award. He has been an active member in ASME, and SPE.© American Society for Engineering Education, 2006 Page 11.141.2© American Society for Engineering Education, 2006 A Virtual Laboratory on Fluid MechanicsAbstractThis paper describes the development of an interactive Web-based virtual laboratory on fluidmechanics at Stevens Institute of Technology (SIT),1 which integrates animations, graphics andanalysis results in order to achieve a realistic feel of the experiment

Conference Session

Developing New Instrumentation

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Bobbie Meredith, Middle Tennessee State University; Saleh Sbenaty, Middle Tennessee State University; Jason Thurmond, Schneider Electric, Power Monitoring and Control

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

. The demo board allows the evaluation of the 71M6513 or 71M6513H power metercontroller chip for measurement accuracy and overall system use.The demo board is pre-loaded with codes containing a low level API library exerciser (LAPIE –6513_demo.hex) in the FLASH memory of the 71M6513/71M6513H IC. This embeddedapplication is developed to exercise all low-level API library calls to directly manage theperipherals, flash programming, and CPU management (clock, timing, power savings, etc.).Below are the main components of this project. Figure 1 shows (from right) the demo board andthe debugging board. Figure 1. TDK Demo and Debugging Boards.III. MethodologyWork on this project began by reading and understanding the literature