Studying the modal properties of the structure under test is important to optimize the design of the test structure and to improve the NVH characteristics. Finite Element Analysis is widely used to obtain the mechanical properties of different objects. However, it is not only difficult to replicate the exact environmental constraints and boundary conditions but also challenging to obtain the damping ratios of the different modes. Experimental modal analysis not only helps in solving these issues but can also help in validating the results of the finite element model.
Read moreHammer Impact Test Considerations
Roving excitation or response? Uni-ax or Tri-ax? SIMO or MIMO?
A modal impact hammer test is broadly classified between two types: roving hammer and roving response. Each method has its own pros and cons.
Read moreUpdated "Scope of Business" statement by Crystal Instruments
This month, as part of a routine ISO 9001 audit process, we made a slight revision to Crystal Instruments’ “scope of business" statement. It now states:
The design, production, sales and servicing of hardware and software for machine vibration monitoring, dynamic measurement and environmental testing.
Read moreSpider-80SG Interface with Rod End Load Cell
Measurements can be broadly classified into two categories: Static Measurements and Dynamic Measurements.
Dynamic measurements vary greatly over a short period of time (e.g., Vibration (Acceleration), Audio (Sound pressure), etc.). In these types of signals, we are mainly interested in the high frequency components so measurements down to DC are typically not necessary. For these measurements, we would use the AC input mode (or IEPE) which comes with a 0.375 Hz High Pass Filter. In most cases, the user sets another high pass filter to eliminate the low frequency components that are not needed. Crystal Instruments Spider-80X and Spider-80Xi systems are best suited for these types of applications.
Read more89th Shock and Vibration Symposium (SAVE) – Dallas, TX
Crystal Instruments and Sentek Dynamics attended the 89th Shock and Vibration Symposium in Dallas, Texas. The symposium, which is organized by Shock and Vibration Exchange (SAVE), is regarded as the leading forum for the structural dynamics and vibration community to present and discuss new developments and on-going research. The technical paper presentations and tutorials offered at the symposium revolve around applications such as shock-ship testing, earthquake engineering, structural dynamics, and shock and vibration instrumentation techniques; attracting attendees from all over North America.
Read moreSeatbelt Sensor with the Spider-80SG
As a heavily transportation reliant and automobile driving society, we have become dependent and quite trusting of the automotive industry for the seatbelt’s lifesaving properties. But, does one ever wonder how those seatbelt devices are certified for our utmost safety? Certainly, it is possible to monitor the speed and displacement as a safety check regarding how timely the seatbelt engages. There are few products on the market to ease the complexity of this testing and Crystal Instruments now offers one of such systems. The Spider-80SG integrates seamlessly with the IES 2098 Seatbelt Sensor. It is an accumulator and the accuracy of its readings depends on the voltage precision of the supply. The Spider-80SG provides this power and allows the counter to reset as needed.
Read moreAdvanced Engineering Show in Birmingham, UK (October 31 - November 1, 2018)
The Advanced Engineering Show was held in Birmingham, UK. The exhibition was located at the National Exhibition Center (NEC) in close proximity to the international airport. Various meeting points and discussion topics were dedicated to the aerospace industry, automotive industry, and more. The exhibition included many conferences highlighting the dynamic changes currently occurring within the fields of advanced engineering and manufacturing.
Read moreNEW RELEASE: EDM Modal 7.2
EDM Modal 7.2 introduces a new type of modal testing called Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) Stepped Sine. This technique has been implemented to allow users to control and monitor multiple channels according to an implemented control strategy.
The new release version of EDM 7.2 also has a new modal parameter estimation method called Poly-X which is Poly-reference Least Square Complex Frequency Domain (p-LSCF). This is a frequency domain-based curve-fitting method that is used to extract the modal parameters of the structure under test more efficiently.
Read moreCrystal Instruments Sales Meeting 2018 - Milwaukee, WI
During the final week of September, Crystal Instruments hosted a National Sales Meeting for our North American distributors. We had 21 attendees consisting of partners from: Sage Technologies, The Wonderful Company, Midwest Measurement Products, APM, TMS, Instrumentation Resources Inc., MBA, Mimex, and Dalimar.
Read moreAutomotive Testing Expo 2018 in Novi, Michigan
Crystal Instruments and Sentek Dynamics attended the Automotive Testing Expo in Novi, Michigan. This event is regarded as the world’s largest vehicle, component, validation technology, and services exhibition. The show featured more than 400 exhibitors and over 9,000 attendees. It was an exciting dynamic to be a part of with many valuable interactions.
Read moreATS (Automotive Testing Show) in Istanbul, Turkey from October 16-17, 2018
The Automotive Testing show was held in beautiful Istanbul, Turkey from October 16-17, 2018. The exhibition was located close to the main automotive cluster in Turkey, where key players in automotive industry are located. The Expo offered attendees several presentations a day on the exhibit floor from leading companies in the automotive industry. Crystal Instruments was able to participate and presented their latest innovations in vibration testing solutions.
Read moreEnhancement of Reading TEDS (Transducer Electronic Data Sheet)
Sensors with an embedded TEDS (Transducer Electronic Data Sheet) chip allows EDM software to acquire the sensitivities and other manufacturing details of the transducer. However, the software can be empowered to do much more.
Read moreDual Shaker Vibration Control
Vibration testing is continuously evolving throughout time. The requirements of testing large and heavy devices demand shakers with larger sizes and higher force ratings. On the other hand, with the increase of size and force ratings comes the cost of lowering the usable frequency range of a shaker system. Shakers with 50,000 lbf force typically operates up to 2 kHz. Larger shakers can have usable frequency ranges of less than 1.5 kHz. The main reason for this frequency reduction in performance is that higher force requires larger armature, and this results in a lower first resonance frequency, thus reducing the useful shaker frequency range. Intuitively, the larger the shaker, the higher the price tag.
Read moreNoise Criteria (NC) Curves
Noise Criteria (NC) curves are primarily used to rate indoor noise levels. It is important that the background noise levels are within acceptable limits to ensure optimal speech communication for structures ranging from residences and offices to hospitals and schools.
Read moreUnderstanding the Stability Diagram
The Stability Diagram is an effective way to display and identify the modes of a structure under test. Nowadays, the Stability Diagram is the standard method for the modal parameter identification stage. It provides a graphical representation of the system's poles (modes) at different mode orders during the modal parameter identification stage.
Read moreSmall Satellite Conference 2018 Recap (Logan, UT)
Crystal Instruments and Sentek Dynamics presented products and solutions for environmental vibration testing at 32nd Small Satellite Conference in Logan, Utah.
Read moreDistribution Agreement with company MotionTech for Israel
Crystal Instruments (CI) is proud to announce an agreement with MotionTech LTD (located in Moshav Ein Vered, Israel) for the distribution of our products in Israel.
MotionTech was established by experts from the test, experiment, and measurement world from the defense and military industries. MotionTech professionals have knowledge regarding high performance acquisition systems and vibration systems. They are highly experienced in consulting and preparing tailored solutions according the needs of the customer. MotionTech offers highly advanced technological solutions in the test, measurement, communications, security and defense industries. Applications covered include: drop test, automotive test, aerospace, shock and vibration, impact testing, etc,.
Read moreRunning Multiple Large Channel Systems on a Network in Real-time
The Ethernet based network structure of Crystal Instruments Spider Systems provides the maximum flexibility and scalability for the configuration of test and measurement instruments in the lab environment. With the implementation of IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP), the same Ethernet connection used for data transmission also provides time clock synchronization. This advanced technology is applied to CI Spider systems, ensuring the possibility of nearly any topology of device and computer connections. In theory, the user will be able to access the test instruments on the network at any time and any distance, with electrical physical limitations as their only limit.
Read moreEDM 7.1 Release by Crystal Instruments
A new software release of EDM 7.1 is now available from Crystal Instruments. This new updated version of Engineering Data Management Software (EDM) provides users with convenient improvements and enhancements to the vibration control software (VCS). EDM 7.1 also supports the elegant and powerfully updated new versions of Spider hardware.
Read moreDistribution Agreement with company Álava Ingenieros for Spain and Portugal
Crystal Instruments (CI) is proud to announce that we reached an agreement with Alava Ingenieros (locations in Madrid, Barcelona, Zaragoza and Lisbon) for the distribution of our products in Spain and Portugal.
Álava Ingenieros – Grupo Álava has been providing high technology solutions since it was founded in 1973. The company focuses on the following technological fields: sensors, data-acquisition, predictive maintenance, calibration, testing, security, communications, imaging, photonics and nanotechnology, and environmental, marine and terrestrial technologies. They provide value-added services such as technical advice, integration, configurations, commissioning, training, support and post-sales service. Álava Ingenieros seamlessly connects manufacturers, systems integrators and end-users to provide technology that contributes to social development.
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