Introducing EDM Multi-Shaker Control (MSC) Feature

In the recent EDM 7.0 release, Crystal Instruments introduced Multi-Shaker Control (MSC) in EDM software as a new feature. The EDM MSC function enables users to view and monitor multiple shaker tests from one PC station. The user can observe the testing status, view individual signals from different shaker systems, and send commands to each controller from one centralized application. The MSC feature is especially useful for production applications, increasing efficiency and simplifying control processes. Up to 12 controllers can be accessed simultaneously.

Matt Chen - Senior Application & Sales EngineerFebruary 15, 2018Environmental Testing

Announcing Crystal Instruments’ Italy Distributor: Belotti Sistemi S.r.l.

Crystal Instruments (CI), a leading manufacturer of vibration testing, condition monitoring, and data acquisition solutions, is proud to announce the selection of a new distributor for our products in Italy.

Belotti Sistemi S.r.l.is located in Peschiera Borromeo, Italy, in close proximity to Milano, Belotti is a historic Italian group with a market history dating over 110 years old.

Belotti’s sister company, Centrotecnica, offers complementary solutions. Together, both companies provide a 360º service for vibration analysis, shock analysis, and more. They are considered an authority in the world of vibration and testing for the Italian and European markets.

Jordi Gargallo - Europe Sales ManagerJanuary 22, 2018Non-applications

14 New Desktop Icons Introduced for EDM 7.0 Release

In the next few days, we will launch the largest software release in Crystal Instruments’ company history: the EDM 7.0 software release. After spending over 10 months in development, including major software restructuring, bug fixes and feature enhancements, we are proud to unveil a grand new look for our EDM software.

In EDM 7.0, users can now run multiple EDM applications in parallel on the same computer. For example, while one EDM instance is activated to run a 64 channel Spider controller, another EDM instance can run in dynamic analyzer mode to acquire real-time data using the Spider-20, while a third instance can be activated to conduct post analysis. Running multiple instances of EDM on one PC will allow users to conduct sophisticated tests with greater efficiency.

James Zhuge, Ph.D. - Chief Executive OfficerJanuary 19, 2018Non-applications

The 3rd Annual SmallSat Symposium | February 5th - 8th

Crystal Instruments (CI) is proud to exhibit and help support Silicon Valley’s SmallSat Symposium. The symposium will be held at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California. This year is anticipated to be a banner year with over 800 participants expected to attend. Organizations and companies from across the country and around the world will hear from 120 speakers focused directly on the small sat industry.

Modal Testing Excitation Consideration

Overview
There are several modal testing methods that consider different types of excitations used. Commonly known methods include Hammer Impact testing and Modal Shaker testing. Please note that Operational Modal Analysis utilizing Ambient Excitation will not be discussed here.

Hammer impact testing uses an Impact Hammer to excite the structure under test. The impulse force applied to the structure is categorized in the broadband range excitation because it contains energy up to a certain frequency range. The hammer impact test is quick to set up and to carry out, and thus is widely used. However, it does have its limitations and there are some concerns to be considered.

Modal shaker testing utilizes a modal shaker to excite the structure under test. Users can select from a list of waveform types to excite the structure under test. This testing method is usually applied to complex or large scale structural testing. Compared to the hammer impact test, it is easier to duplicate. On the other hand, the modal shaker testing method requires more hardware (i.e., modal shaker(s), stinger, more input and output channels from the dynamic signal analyzer). This test setup requires an experienced user.

Jeff Zhao, Ph.D.January 18, 2018Structural Dynamics Testing

Announcing Crystal Instruments Europe

Crystal Instruments (CI) is pleased to announce the opening (effective November 2017) of its first European sales office. Crystal Instruments chose Barcelona, Spain as the European sales office location after considering its excellent business infrastructure and high quality facilities. These advantages, in addition to a cosmopolitan environment and access to hard working local and international talent, are greatly appreciated by Crystal Instruments.

Crystal InstrumentsNovember 8, 2017Non-applications

Astro Digital - Vibration Testing

Small satellites, more commonly known as CubeSats, have gained popularity because of their miniature size and their data acquisition techniques. These satellites are being launched at a record pace and have roped big players into this aerospace segment. Astro Digital is a company that risen to the challenge of land mapping and hazard detection using CubeSats.

Astro Digital has been creating APIs and CubeSats for geological mapping, natural disaster management, forest management, water cover sensing, etc. Sentek Dynamics is proud to have a hand in their projects.

Rohan Halageri Uday - Application EngineerNovember 6, 2017Environmental Testing

SAVE 2017 - The 88th Annual Shock And Vibration Exchange

Despite the storm-torn state of host town Jacksonville, Florida undergoing restorations, the 88th Shock and Vibration Exchange carried on with its usual vivacious atmosphere. Folks flew in from all around the world to share their groundbreaking ideas on shock and vibration measurement. HI-TEST Labs did the exemplary job of planning the entire event.

Brady Hiob - Sales EngineerNovember 4, 2017Non-applications

Modal Testing Preparation Considerations

Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA) is an important tool that is applicable for many structural vibration analysis situations. Fundamental aspects of performing a successful modal analysis include preparation, FRF data acquisition, modal parameter identification, and modal model verification.

In this technical note, the emphasis is to discuss the necessary technical details regarding the preparation of a successful modal test to acquire a set of FRF signals.

Jeff Zhao, Ph.D.November 3, 2017Structural Dynamics Testing

Announcing Crystal Instruments Russia Office

Crystal Instruments (CI) is pleased to announce the opening (effective July 2017) of its first Russian office. Located in the city of St. Petersburg, Russia, Crystal Instruments chose this site due to its unique combination of both culture heritage and industrialized technology subdivisions.

Crystal InstrumentsOctober 11, 2017Non-applications

Automotive Testing Expo China 2017

Crystal Instruments was pleased to exhibit a the annual Automotive Testing Expo China in Shanghai, China from September 19 - 21, 2017. The international Automotive Testing Expos are ideal for previewing the latest developments in testing technologies used in the automotive production process.

Crystal InstrumentsOctober 6, 2017Non-applications

Test 2017 Japan (Japan Testing Technology Show)

Crystal Instruments and Sentek Dynamics partnered together in Tokyo, Japan at the Test 2017 show on September 13 - 15, 2017.

Crystal Instruments featured innovative new testing solutions:

EDM Modal - Complete Modal Testing & Analysis Software Suite
CoCo-80X - Handheld Touchscreen Dynamic Signal Analyzer
Spider-80Xi - Compact & Modular Dynamic Measurement System (scales up to 512 channels)

Sentek Dynamics offered turn-key solutions and environmental testing systems:

Electrodynamic Shakers - Low, medium, high, and extra high force shakers available. Three axis, permanent magnet, long stroke, and high performance shakers also available.
THV Environmental Test Systems - combines three testing environments (temperature, humidity and vibration) in one chamber.

Crystal InstrumentsOctober 6, 2017Non-applications

Streamlined & Efficient Process of Viewing Signals Acquired in Vibration Tests

Engineering Data Management (EDM) is the software platform supporting all Crystal Instruments products. It is the center of testing and data management for carrying out daily operations. Crystal Instruments is expending relentless efforts to provide the best user experience possible.

Test configurations always involve a large quantity of parameters to setup. In addition, many signals and run logs are saved after each test run. To organize such a large quantity of information and to increase efficiency in the process, EDM is powered by a database structure supporting all types of libraries. EDM software keeps run histories of all tests, which can be searched in a single list. Signals are easily reviewed and compared.

Tim Hsiao - Senior Product ManagerOctober 6, 2017Environmental Testing

Crystal Instruments Data Transfer Tool

Crystal instruments created the Data Transfer Tool to provide an easy method for transferring data between different PCs or databases. This standalone tool greatly simplifies the entire process by guiding the user through a simple interface. The setup wizard also provides an intuitive interface for monitoring the transfer process.

Walter Kemphaus - Product ManagerOctober 3, 2017Non-applications

Applications of Experimental Modal Analysis

Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA) has developed into a major technology for studying structural dynamics in the past several decades. Through Experimental Modal Analysis, complex structure phenomena in structural dynamics can be represented using decoupled modes consisting of natural frequency, damping, and mode shapes. The collection of these modal parameters is referred to as Modal Model. Experimental Modal Analysis is commonly referred to as Modal Analysis.

Jeff Zhao, Ph.D.October 2, 2017Structural Dynamics Testing

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