SENSR

Applications

Using the GP1 to measure performance

The GP1 is an ideal instrument for product and engineering development. The GP1 is a 3-axis instrument that measures: acceleration profiles, response periods, vibrations, and reactions to inputs. The GP1 captures, quantifies, and helps the user understand those elements that are not readily observable. Recording and understanding the dynamic characteristics of a system is an essential requirement for optimizing performance.

The GP1 makes it easy to discover and record dynamic information and features an internal processor that can be set up to record summary and/or detail type information.

The summary information mode is easy-to-understand and gives the user pertinent information without unnecessary detail. This mode automatically calculates and reports: when the motion occurred, what type of motion it was, what the thresholds were and how long the motion lasted. In the following example, a GP1 was tasked to identify and record the dynamic response of an assembly that was subjected to shock inputs over time. The summary file clearly identifies when the inputs occurred and what the response magnitudes were.

The GP1's summary mode can calculate and report up to 21 different measurements; these measurements take the guesswork out of trying to understand what occurred.

In addition to the calculated values that are generated by the summary mode, the GP1 also records acceleration waveforms. Acceleration waveforms are a compilation of individual acceleration samples taken every 10 milliseconds and then stitched together to describe the characteristics of the motion. The waveform files show the details and nuances of the motion and displays exactly what occurred, the ability to visualize dynamic signatures helps the user see complex relationships. The example below illustrates a 3-axis waveform that was recorded during a product testing session; the goal of the session was to record how the product responded to a specific input so that changes could be made to increase reliability.

The z-axis (pink trace) clearly shows an extended response that takes several seconds to decay.

The software that comes with the GP1 has an export to csv function that lets the user export the summary and detail data out to other analysis packages.

The GP1 offers an easy way to capture and understand dynamic responses, understanding dynamic responses not only provides insight into the motions it also gives the user the acceleration data that is needed to accurately calculate the forces and loads that are an essential foundation for successful designs.

If you would like more information about the GP1 or help in evaluating your application please give us a call; our technical staff is made up of engineers and technicians dedicated to providing you with accurate, relevant information.