Erudite Mkiv Manual

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
ERUDITE MKIV
(PC1004)
CNS Farnell Limited

Elstree Business Centre, Elstree Way,
Borehamwood, Hertfordshire,
England. WD6 1RX
Telephone: +44 (0)20 8238 6900
Facsimile: +44 (0)20 8238 6901
Email: admin@cnsfarnell.com
Website: www.cnsfarnell.com
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1
3
THE EQUIPMENT
1.1
Electronics unit - Front panel layout
1.2
Electronics unit - Rear panel layout
1.3
Test bench
CHAPTER 2
SETUP PROCEDURE
2.1
Procedure for measuring the fundamental longitudinal resonant frequency
2.2
Procedure for measuring the fundamental flexural (transverse) resonant frequency
10
2.3
Procedure for measuring the fundamental torsional resonant frequency
12
2.4
Specimen Dimensions (Applicable to all modes)
14
CHAPTER 3
MANUAL MODE
15
3.1
Operating procedure
15
3.3
Problem solving
17
3.4
Using the Erudite MKIV with an oscilloscope
18
CHAPTER 4
AUTOMATIC MODE
19
4.1.
Setup
19
4.2
Run
22
4.3
Storing results
23
4.4
Sources of error
24
CHAPTER 5
ERASING RESULTS
26
CHAPTER 6
VIEWING RESULTS
28
CHAPTER 7
PRINTING
29
7.1
Label printing
29
7.2
Dumping results
30
CHAPTER 8
REMOTE MODE
32
APPENDIX A
SPECIFICATION
33
ERUDITE MkIV Operating Manual
CNS Farnell Limited 2004 All rights reserved.
Page 2 of 34
INTRODUCTION
The Erudite MKIV Resonant Frequency Test System may be used in the laboratory or
quality control department to determine, non-destructively, the longitudinal, torsional and
transverse (flexural) resonant frequencies of a variety of materials. The damping constant
'Q' of the material may also be accurately measured for materials having a 'Q' value in
excess of 400. The specification complies with BS1881: Part 209 'Recommendations for
the measurement of dynamic modulus of elasticity, ASTM C215 'Standard test method for
fundamental transverse, longitudinal and torsional frequencies of concrete specimens', and
many other international standards.
The Erudite MKIV Test System comes complete with:The Erudite MKIV electronics unit with:A highly stable variable frequency sinewave oscillator covering a frequency band of
1Hz to 100 kHz in four ranges of resolution;
A power amplifier capable of delivering 0 to 2V peak (0.707V RMS), at up to 1.5W
into a 3 vibration generator (loads with an impedance higher than 3 may be
driven but at a reduced output power);
N.B. The output voltage has been purposely limited for reasons of health and safety.
Please refer to the warning at the end of this introduction.
A liquid crystal display, for showing, simultaneously, the frequencies and voltage
levels of the signal output to the vibration generator and the measured signal from
the input sensor;
A 16 key sealed membrane switch panel for program selection and parameter input;
Battery-backed memory for retaining stored test results;
'X' and 'Y' oscilloscope connections for viewing driver and sensor signals;
A serial port for direct connection to a printer for label printing, or to a computer for
downloading data.
A test bench with:Metalwork for mounting specimens for longitudinal, torsional and transverse
(flexural) resonance measurements, in either contact or non-contact modes. The
maximum specimen size is 712 x 150 x 150mm.
An electromagnetic vibrator, two piezo-electric sensors (one accelerometer

and one low mass surface mounting sensor), a pair of plates for non-contact
modes, cables and operating manual.
Page 3 of 34
WARNING
Users of vibration testing equipment should be aware that there may be danger to
the human frame when exposed to certain noise levels and frequencies. For this
reason, all personnel likely to work in close proximity to a vibrator should be made
conversant with the risks involved.
Ideally, a vibrator should be sited in a soundproof cell with an observation window,
the operator, together with the driving source, ancillary and control equipment,
being located externally. Alternatively, and for most practical purposes, protection
will be provided to the operator by the wearing of a well designed ear defender
such as are produced by the Swedish company, BILSON, type UL1 (Yellow Grade)
Two useful publications on noise, including low frequency pressure waves, and its
effects upon personnel, are listed below. It is recommended that all persons
responsible for the use of this equipment are made familiar with their contents.
1. Noise and Man, by William Burns, published by John Murray.
2. H.M.S.O. Publication: Code of Practice, Noise Exposure Induced
Hearing Loss.
The above warning is issued in compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act.
At the powers used when testing concrete specimen there would not appear to be
any health hazard. To avoid any possible risk, the output voltage level of the
Erudite MKIV has been limited, by software, to 1Vpk.
Page 4 of 34
CHAPTER 1
1.1
THE EQUIPMENT
Electronics unit - Front panel layout

The electronics unit front panel consists of a 16 key sealed membrane-type keypad
and a 20 character by 4 line liquid crystal display.
Keypad
A membrane type keypad has been chosen to provide a hard wearing switch
panel, capable of withstanding the ingress of moisture and dust.
The key functions are as follows:Numeric keys '0' to '9'
Decimal point, '.'
Delete Key, 'DEL'

Escape Key, 'ESC'
'ENTER' key
Arrow keys,
-Used for selecting program options, entering

voltages, frequencies and test identifiers (IDs);
-Used with numeric keys for entering frequencies
and voltages, or for selecting the store option in
the Automatic mode (see Chapter 4, 'Automatic
Mode');
-For deleting unwanted characters to the left of
the cursor;
-Returns program operation to the main menu;
-Used to denote the end of a numeric value and
enter it into the system. It is also used to switch
the vibrator on in the manual mode (see Chapter
3, 'Manual mode');
-Used to increase or decrease values, or step
between fields.
Display
The liquid crystal display (LCD) is mounted behind the keypad on the front
panel. To avoid any possible damage occurring, care should be taken to
avoid sharp or heavy objects coming into contact with it.
The LCD is used to show the various menu options, test parameters and test
results.
When the Erudite MKIV is switched on, the following opening message
appears:CNS FARNELL LTD
ERUDITE MKIV
The Erudite MKIV has a series of operating modes which the user may select
from the main menu. The options are outlined in the following chapters. To
see the main menu, press the 'ENTER' key:ERUDITE MkIV Operating Manual
Page 5 of 34
1-MANUAL
2-AUTO
3-STORE
4-ERASE
5-VIEW
6-DUMP
7-REMOTE
8-LABEL
To operate a particular mode, type in the mode number (as shown on the
main menu) and follow the appropriate operating procedure as given in the
following chapters.
Photograph showing the front panel layout and the main menu:
1.2
Electronics unit - Rear panel layout
All connections to the Erudite MKIV and the remaining controls are made on
the rear panel of the electronics unit. A description of the function of each of
these follows:Controls
On/Off switch:
Turns the mains power supply to the unit on or off
Mains voltage selector switch:

Must be set to 240V position if mains voltage is in the
range 220/240V or set to 120V position if mains voltage
is in the range 100/120V
Page 6 of 34
Connections
Mains power inlet: For connection to the AC mains supply. The plug
contains a carrier which holds an active 1A fuse. The
carrier is interlocked so that it cannot be removed whilst
the cable socket is inserted
RS232 socket:
Serial port connector for direct connection to a serial

printer or computer
DRIVER socket:
Power output to the vibrator
X BNC socket:
An output of 0-2V pk-pk for connection to the 'X' input of

an oscilloscope
An output of 0-2.5V pk-pk for connection to the 'Y' input
of an oscilloscope
Input from the accelerometer or surface mounting
sensor
Y BNC socket:
SENSOR socket:
1.3
Test bench
Centre support:
The basic support has been arranged for the vibrator

and sensor to be on the axial centre of a 150x150mm
square section specimen. For a 100x100mm section, a
spacer marked100 is placed on the basic support and for
75x75mm specimen, a second spacer marked 75 is
added to the 100 spacer.
Torsion spacer blocks
Spacer blocks marked 1, 2 and 3, on which the vibrator

and sensor supports may be mounted, are provided for
torsion testing.
For 75x75mm square section specimens, the vibrator
and sensor are each mounted on blocks 1 plus 2, for
100x100mm specimen use blocks 1 plus 3 and for
150x150mm specimen, use blocks1 plus 2 plus 3.
Page 7 of 34
CHAPTER 2
SETUP PROCEDURE
This chapter describes the test setup procedures for the measurement of the longitudinal,
flexural and torsional resonant frequencies as used for determining the dynamic Young's
modulus of elasticity and the dynamic modulus of rigidity. The calculations and the
theoretical basis of the method with the corrections involved may be found in the
ERUDITE Technical Reference Manual.
Note: The vibrator and sensor compliant suspensions may be damaged if the contact rods
receive a lateral blow. It is advisable to slide both units to the ends of the rails, or to
remove them from the test bench whilst placing specimens on the centre support.
2.1
Procedure for measuring the fundamental longitudinal resonant frequency

Switch the ON/OFF switch on the electronics unit to the 'ON' position and leave for
10 minutes for thermal stability.
At the fundamental longitudinal frequency there is one nodal point at the centre of
length of a prism or cylinder. The specimen should be placed on the test bench
centre support at the nodal point. The specimen may be simply supported or
clamped by the clamping bar provided.
Place a spot of petroleum jelly or medium grease on the ends of the vibrator and
sensor contact rods.
For the ends of the specimen to be free to vibrate in a longitudinal direction, it is
essential that minimum restraint is imposed on the ends. Both the vibrator and
sensor rods are free to move in compliant mountings and it is necessary only to
move the vibrator and sensor supports along the rails until the contact rods just
make contact with the centre of the end of the specimen. The supports may now be
locked by using the knurled clamping nuts.
Select the frequency range of interest. For concrete specimens this will generally
be in the range 1kHz to 10kHz, depending upon the dimensions of the specimen
(see Table 1).
Connect the accelerometer to the 'sensor' input and the vibrator to the 'driver' output
on the back panel of the electronics unit.
Select the manual or automatic mode from the main menu (by pressing 1 or 2) and
follow the instructions given in chapter 3, 'Manual Mode' or Chapter 4, 'Automatic
Mode'
Page 8 of 34
Basic test bench showing setup for longitudinal testing
Test bench set up

view on accelerometer end
Test bench set up

view on vibrator end
Page 9 of 34
Size of
(mm)
Specimen Approximate
frequency range (Hz)
150 x 150 x 750

150 x 150 x 700
100 x 100 x 750
100 x 100 x500
100 x 100 x 300
150 x 300 cylinder
1700-3000
2000-3200
1700-3000
3000-4500
5000-7000
5000-7000
TABLE 1: RANGE OF LONGITUDINAL FUNDAMENTAL

RESONANT FREQUENCIES OF CONCRETE
PRISMS AND CYLINDER SPECIMENS
2.2
Procedure for measuring the fundamental flexural (transverse) resonant

frequency
At the fundamental flexural resonant frequency, there are two nodes at distances
from each end of 0.224 times the length.
Place the supports for flexural vibration on the test bench rails so that they are
equally spaced, by a distance of 0.552 times the specimen length, about the centre
of the test bench. Cut the circular rubber rod to fit the grooves on the supports.
Place one of the knurled nuts on the longer of the two clamping pillars. Remove the
other clamping pillar as it is not needed for this test.
Insert the adaptor clamp bolt through the hole in the bottom of the vibrator support
and fit the other knurled nut. Place the vibrator on the longer clamping pillar, with
the pillar through the hole in the clamp bolt. Swing the vibrator away from the centre
of the test bench.
Place the specimen on the flexural vibration supports. Swing the vibrator around so
that it is positioned over the centre of length of the specimen. Place a spot of
petroleum jelly or grease on the end of the vibrator contact rod and gently lower the
vibrator using the knurled nut on the pillar, until the contact just registers with the
surface of the specimen, tighten the clamp bolts knurled nut.
Place a spot of grease or petroleum jelly on the underside of the surface mounting
sensor and place it firmly onto the top surface of one end of the specimen. Connect
the surface of the mounting sensor to the 'Sensor' input and the vibrator to the
'driver output of the electronics unit.
Select the frequency range of interest. For concrete specimens, this will generally
be the range 1kHz to 10kHz, depending upon the dimensions of the specimen (See
Table 2)
Page 10 of 34
Test bench setup showing flexural testing

Select the manual or automatic mode from the main menu (by pressing 1 or 2) and
follow the instructions given in Chapter 3, 'Manual Mode', or Chapter 4, 'Automatic
Mode'.
Size of
(mm)
150 x 150 x 750

150 x 150 x 700
100 x 150 x 750
100 x 100 x500
100 x 100 x 300
150 x 300 cylinder
550-1050
600-1150
400-750
900-1500
2500-4500
2500-4500
TABLE 2: RANGE OF FLEXURAL FUNDAMENTAL

Page 11 of 34
2.3
Procedure for measuring the fundamental torsional resonant frequency

As for the longitudinal fundamental resonant frequency, there is one nodal point at
the centre of length of the specimen and the specimen should be placed on the test
bench in the same way.
Place the vibrator and the accelerometer on the correct size torsion spacer blocks
for the specimen being tested.
Place a spot of petroleum jelly or medium grease on the ends of the vibrator and
sensor contact rods.
Slide the blocks on the base of the test bench until the contact rods just make
contact with the side of the specimen at the ends.
Select the frequency range of interest. For concrete specimens, this will generally
be in the range1 kHz to 10kHz, depending upon the dimensions of the specimen
(See Table 3)
Connect the accelerometer to the 'sensor' input and the vibrator to the 'driver' output
on the back panel of the electronics unit.
Select the manual or automatic mode from the main menu (by pressing one or 2)
and follow the instructions given in Chapter 3, 'Manual Mode', or Chapter 4,
'Automatic Mode'.
Page 12 of 34
Test bench setup showing torsion testing
Size of
(mm)
150 x 150 x 750

150 x 150 x 700
100 x 100 x 750
100 x 100 x500
100 x 100 x 300
150 x 300 cylinder
1150-1050
1200-1150
1150-1800
1800-2700
3000-4200
3000-4200
TABLE 3: RANGE OF TORSIONAL FUNDAMENTAL

Page 13 of 34
2.4
Specimen Dimensions (Applicable to all modes)

It is recommended that the ratio of length to maximum width is between 3 and 5.
Specimens having ratios outside these limits are sometimes difficult to excite in the
fundamental mode of vibration.
View of air plate fitted to vibrator
View of surface pickup
View of standard accelerometer setup
View of standard vibrator setup
Page 14 of 34
CHAPTER 3
3.1
MANUAL MODE
Operating procedure
The manual mode of operation gives the user precise control of the Erudite MKIVs
output voltage and frequency. This mode would normally be used when setting up
an experiment, to determine the correct driver voltage or range of frequencies for a
particular type of specimen. It would also be used for measuring the resonant
frequency and Q value manually, or for examining the driver and sensor signals on
an oscilloscope.
To enter the manual mode, press 1 when the main menu is displayed. The
following will appear on the display:-
MANUAL
Fo
Fi
Vo
Vi
B 10.00 Hz
=
= 1.00V
=
There are four fields, Fo (frequency output), Fi (frequency input), Vo (voltage output)
and Vi (voltage input). These refer to the voltages and frequencies output to and
input from the driver and sensor.
Type in a value for the output frequency, in Hz:MANUAL
Fo
Fi
Vo
Vi
= [ 4000 B ]
=
=
1.00V
=
Use the DEL key if any of the digits need to be corrected, then press ENTER
when the chosen output frequency has been selected. The display will change to
show that the value has been accepted:MANUAL
Fo
Fi
Vo
Vi
B 4.000 KHz
=
= 1.00V
=
Press the down arrow key to move the cursor to the Vo field:MANUAL
Fo = 4.000 KHz
Fi =
Vo B
1.00V
Vi =
Page 15 of 34
And the type in a value for the output voltage to the driver:MANUAL
Fo = 4.000 KHz
Fi =
Vo = [ 0.1 B ]
Vi =
At any time up to this point, pressing the ESC key returns operation to the main
menu. Press the ENTER key to start the vibrator running:MANUAL
ON
Fo = 4.000 KHz
Fi =
Vo B
0.1 0 V
Vi =
After a short period, the sensors inputs are displayed:MANUAL

ON
Fo = 4.000 KHz
Fi = 4.000 KHz
Vo B
0.1 0 V
Vi = 0.18V
Use the up and down arrow keys to increment or decrement the output voltage.
The changes will instantly be reflected at the driver; however the sensor may take a
little longer to respond (in the following example, the arrow key has been pressed
once to increase the voltage by 10mV. The corresponding increase in sensor
voltage is also displayed):MANUAL
ON
Fo = 4.000 KHz
Fi = 4.000 KHz
Vo B
0.1 1 V
Vi = 0.19V
Use the ENTER key to step between the output voltage and frequency fields
MANUAL
ON
Fo B
Fi =
Vo =
Vi =
4.000 KHz
4.000 KHz
0.1 1 V
0.19V
Again, use the arrow keys to increment or decrement the output frequency as
desired:MANUAL
ON
Fo B
Fi =
Vo =
Vi =
4.010 KHz
4.010 KHz
0.1 1 V
0.19V
Press the ESC key to switch off the vibrator (The ON message disappears).
Page 16 of 34
Pressing ESC a second time returns to the main menu.

3.2
Measurements of resonant frequency and damping constant 'Q'

The damping constant is often a better guide to the quality of a material
than is the dynamic modulus. Small imperfections in the material such as microcracks produced during freezing and thawing cycles of concrete may cause only a
small change in the dynamic modulus, but a relatively large change in the damping
constant Q.
The Q value is calculated from a knowledge of the fundamental resonant
frequency and the frequencies on either side of the resonant frequency where the
amplitude of vibration drops to 0.707 of the maximum amplitude (See figure 3.1)
The Q value is calculated from the bandwidth as follows:-
Q=
Fr
Fh
Fl
Procedure
Select the Manual mode from the main menu and set the Vo to approximately 0.1V
(reduce this value if Vi does not change for a range of input frequencies as the
sensor is saturated.) Select the frequency according to the dimensions of the
specimen and the mode of vibration (as given in Tables 1, 2 and 3).
Vary the frequency of vibration until the input voltage (Vi) peaks at the fundamental
resonant frequency (Fr). Note the frequency reading.
Increase the frequency above resonance until Vi = 0.707 x the value of Vi at
resonance. Note the frequency Fh.
Decrease the frequency below resonance until Vi = 0.707 x the value of Vi at
resonance. Note the frequency Fl.
When carrying out Q value measurements, there must be absolute minimum
external damping and it is recommended that a non-contact electro-magnetic type
vibrator and sensor (or a surface mounting sensor) be used.
3.3
Problem solving
This section deals with some of the commonly encountered problems when using
the Erudite MKIV in the manual mode.
Page 17 of 34
3.3.1 VO and FO fields remain blank or do not change

The cause of this problem is usually that the driver voltage is too low. If the
driver voltage is too low, the sensor voltage will be too low to be measured,
resulting in the input frequency and voltage fields remaining blank (or at the
last measured values). To overcome the problem, increase the driver
voltage (Vo)
3.3.2 Voltage peak found where Fl is different to FO
Voltage peaks can occur at frequencies which are at a multiple of the
resonance frequency. These frequencies are known as harmonics. If a
voltage peak has been detected at a harmonic, Fl will be different to Fo. If the
measured frequency is the true resonance frequency, then Fl and Fo will be
equal. Also the peak voltage will generally be highest at the resonant
frequency.
3.4
Using the Erudite MKIV with an oscilloscope

In certain circumstances it is very easy to miss the resonant frequency when
manually or automatically sweeping through a range of frequencies. This problem
is usually due to the high Q values associated with these specimens and hence the
narrow voltage peak.
To make the job of detecting the resonant frequency easier, X and Y BNC type
output sockets have been included on the rear panel of the Erudite MKIV. These
outputs allow the waveforms produced by the driver and sensor to be examined on
a dual channel oscilloscope as either voltages versus time or as a Lissajous figure.
A Lissajous figure is formed when the Y channel is used as the time base for the
X channel. On many oscilloscopes, a Lissajous figure may be formed by
connecting the X and Y outputs from the Erudite MKIII to the X and Y inputs (
marked as Channel 1 and Channel 2) on the oscilloscope. The timebase switch
should be set to position X-Y and the Volts/Div for each channel should be set to
the same value for both channels.
When sweeping through the frequency range (either manually or automatically), the
oscilloscope will display a near perfect circle when the resonant frequency has been
reached. As only perfectly matched frequencies on the X and Y channels will
produce a circle, harmonics should not be mistaken for resonant frequencies.
Page 18 of 34
CHAPTER 4
AUTOMATIC MODE
The object of the Automatic Mode is to find the resonant frequency, the two 3dB
frequencies and the Q value automatically. The user simply enters a range of
frequencies to sweep through, the step size (ie. the difference between the previous and
next output frequencies) and the driver voltage, and the electronics unit does the rest. If a
resonant frequency is found, this is displayed along with the two 3dB frequencies and the
Q.
The range of frequencies that are to be swept, may be split into three bands of up to three
different ranges of frequencies, output voltages and step sizes. The unit will then sweep
through one band to the next and so on.
To enter the Automatic Mode from the main menu, press 2.
There are essentially two parts to the Automatic Mode. These are:- Setup and Run. They
appear on the opening display:AUTO
1-RUN
4.1.
Fs = 10.00 Hz
Fe = 100.0Hz
Vo = 0.10V
2-SETUP
or
ESC
Setup
Before a sweep may be made, the various operating parameters must be setup.
Press 2 again to enter the setup facility. The following display will appear with the
cursor flashing in the start frequency (Fs) field:SETUP
BAND = 1
Fs B
Fe =
Vo =
STEP
10.00 Hz
100.0Hz
0.10V
= 5.00 Hz
Use the numeric keys to type in a value for the range start frequency:SETUP
BAND = 1
Fs = [ 3000 B ]
Fe = 100.0Hz
Vo = 0.10V
STEP = 5.00 Hz
Page 19 of 34
Then press the ENTER key to accept it

SETUP
BAND = 1
Fs B 3.000 KHz
Fe = 100.0Hz
Vo = 0.10V
STEP = 5.00 Hz
Having entered the start frequency, use the arrow keys to move the cursor down to
the end frequency (Fe) field:SETUP
BAND = 1
Fs = 3.000KHz
Fe B = 100.0Hz
Vo = 0.10V
STEP = 5.00 Hz
and type in the end frequency(the end frequency is the last frequency in then range
that will be swept):SETUP
BAND = 1
Fs = 3. 000KHz
Fe = [ 5000 B ]
Vo = 0. 10V
STEP = 5. 00 Hz
Press the ENTER key to accept the value that has been typed. If any of the digits
have been entered incorrectly, use the DEL key to delete them.
The ESC key may be pressed at any point throughout the setup to return operation
to the main menu. Once the ENTER key has been pressed, the display returns the
cursor to the beginning of the line as shown on the following display:SETUP
BAND = 1
Fs = 3. 000KHz
Fe B
5. 000KHz
Vo = 0.10V
STEP = 5. 00 Hz
Using the arrows keys, move the cursor to the output voltage(Vo) field:SETUP
BAND = 1
Fs = 3. 000KHz
Fe = 5. 000KHz
Vo B 0.10V
STEP = 5. 00 Hz
And type in a value for the driver voltage:SETUP

BAND = 1
Fs = 3. 000KHz
Fe = 5. 000KHz
Vo = [ 0.2 B ]
STEP = 5. 00 Hz
Page 20 of 34
Press the ENTER key to accept the value:SETUP
Fs = 3. 000KHz
Fe = 5. 000KHz
Vo B
0.20 V
STEP = 5. 00 Hz
BAND = 1
Using the arrow keys, move the cursor to the step field:SETUP
BAND B
SETUP
Fs = 3. 000KHz
Fe = 5. 000KHz
Vo = 0.20 V
STEP = 5. 00 Hz
Fs = 3. 000KHz
Fe = 5. 000KHz
Vo = 0.20 V
STEP B 5. 00 Hz
BAND = 1
And type in the desired step size (i.e., the difference between the previous and next
frequency, or the range increment):SETUP
Fs = 3. 000KHz
Fe = 5. 000KHz
Vo = 0.20 V
STEP = [ 10 B ]
BAND = 1
Press the ENTER key to accept the value.

The Erudite MKIV can scan through up to three bands of frequencies in the same
scan. As most users will only require to sweep one band, they will not need to edit
the BAND field and can press ESC to return to the AUTO menu. Once ESC
has been pressed, follow the RUN procedure as described in section 4.2
If more than one band is required, the setup procedure is slightly different. Prior to
entering the parameters, the band number must be entered. To do this, move the
cursor to the BAND field by using the arrow keys:SETUP
BAND B
Fs = 3. 000KHz
Fe = 5. 000KHz
Vo = 0.20 V
STEP = 10.00Hz
And type in a band number in the range 1 to 3.

Page 21 of 34
SETUP
Fs = 3. 000KHz
Fe = 5. 000KHz
Vo = 0.20 V
BAND [ 2 B STEP = 10.00Hz
Press the ENTER key and the previously stored parameters for the band will be
displayed and may be changed as described earlier in this section:SETUP
BAND = 2
Fs = 2.700KHz
Fe = 6.350KHz
Vo = 1.00 V
STEP B 100.0Hz
Once the parameters for the selected bands have been entered, press the ESC
key to return to the AUTO menu.
4.2
Run
Once the desired sweep parameters have been entered into the system, the sweep
may begin. To start the sweep from the AUTO menu shown at the beginning of
Chapter 4, press 1.
AUTO FO
Fs
Fe
B1
Vo
= 3. 000KHz
= 3. 000KHz
= 5.000KHz
= 0.20V
The electronics unit will automatically switch the vibrator on and will begin oscillating
at the start frequency and at the output voltage specified in the setup section. The
output frequency will increase by the amount defined in the STEP field of the setup
section and will continue to increase until the end frequency is reached. If further
bands are defined, then they will be swept through one after the other until all
defined bands have been covered.
If the electronics unit was able to find the resonant frequency, then it will be
displayed, along with the two 3dB frequencies and the Q:AUTO Fr
F1
Fh
Q
= 3. 540KHz
= 3. 370KHz
= 3.650KHz
= 12.64
Page 22 of 34
If the unit was unable to find the resonant frequency, or 3dB frequencies, then an
appropriate message will be displayed (See Section 4.4, Sources of error)
If the resonant frequency was found, the results may be stored.
4.3
Storing results
Prior to making a sweep and storing the test results, the unit must be configured to
store readings either sequentially or individually. The sequential method requires
the first ID to be entered only. The readings from the first stored test will be stored
in the battery backed memory under this ID. Subsequent tests will be stored under
the next ID and so on. eg. If the start ID is 3, then the first set of readings will be
stored under ID 3, the next set under ID 4 and so on. The individual method
requires an ID to be typed in when each set of test readings are stored.
To select the storage method, press 3 from the main menu. A choice of either
individual or sequential will appear:STORE
1- Individual
2- Sequential
To select the individual storage mode, press the 1 key. Program operation will
return to the main menu. Select the Automatic mode as described earlier on in this
chapter, set up the parameters and start the w=sweep by selecting RUN (see
sections 4.1 & 4.2) When the sweep has successfully been completed and a
resonant frequency has appeared, press any key. The following message will then
appear, prompting for an ID:STORE
ID:
[B
Type an ID of up to six digits followed by the ENTER key. The test results will be
stored under this ID. If the ID already exists, an error message will appear.
Result already saved
under that ID.
Do you wish to
Overwrite? (ENT=YES)
Press ENTER to overwrite the existing test results or any other key to return to the
main menu.
Alternatively, to select the sequential storage mode, press the 2 key.
following will appear:ERUDITE MkIV Operating Manual
The
Page 23 of 34
STORE
Next Ident: 1
New Ident: [ B
The next available ID is shown (1 in this case). Type in the number that the
sequence is to start at. Further stored test results will be numbered sequentially,
from this value onwards. Once the new ID has been typed, press the ENTER key
to return to the main menu.
Again, select the automatic mode as described earlier on in this chapter, set up the
parameters and start the sweep by selecting RUN (See sections 4.1 & 4.2). When
the sweep has successfully been completed, press any key to store the results,
automatically, under the next ID in the sequence. If the next ID had already been
used, an error message will appear.
Result already saved under
that ID.
Do you wish to overwrite ?
(ENT=YES)
Press ENTER to overwrite the old data or any other key to return to the main
menu.
4.4
Sources of error
There are a number of errors that can occur during execution of the Automatic
mode.
The first of these is as follows:Error in Auto Scan.
Insufficient samples
taken to calculate results.
If insufficient readings are taken during a sweep, then it will not be possible to find
the resonant and 3dB frequencies and consequently, the Q. To overcome this
problem, increase the length of the sweep by reducing the step size. If the input
signal from the sensor is too strong, the electronics will become saturated, thus
causing the following error:Error in Auto Scan.
Input signal level is too high.
Reduce Vout and repeat.
The solution, in this situation is to reduce the output voltage Vo.

Page 24 of 34
If the sweep starts too close to the resonant frequency, it is possible that the lower
3dB frequency may not be measured. In this case, the following message appears:
Error in Auto Scan.
Unable to locate the lower
3dB point.
To enable the lower 3dB frequency to be measured, start the sweep with a lower
start frequency. Conversely, if the end frequency of the sweep is too close to the
resonant frequency, then, the upper 3dB frequency may not be measured. This
time, the following message appears:Error in Auto Scan.
Unable to locate the upper
3dB point.
To measure the upper 3dB frequency, increase the end frequency for the sweep.
The final error message is as follows:Error in Auto Scan.
Difference between upper
and lower 3dBs too small
for Q.
The frequency response was too flat for the 3dBs and Q to be calculated. This is
typically because the sensor signal level is too weak for a true response to be
obtained. The solution in this case is to increase the output voltage level, or
physically check that the sample, driver and sensor are aligned and setup correctly.
Page 25 of 34
CHAPTER 5
ERASING RESULTS
As the battery backed memory within the Erudite MKIV will hold data indefinitely, the
results of stored tests must be erased when they are no longer required. A range of tests
or just one single test may be erased - forever!
To select the erase mode, choose option 4 from the main menu. The display will prompt
for the start ID:ERASE
From : [ B
To :
Type the ID of the test at the start of the chosen range (in the following example, a bock of scans
ranging from 1 to 3 will be erased, so the start I would be 1):-
ERASE
From : [ 1 B
To :
Once the start ID has been selected, press the ENTER key to move the cursor to the next
field:ERASE
From : [ 1
To : [ B
]
]
Type in the ID of the test at the end of the chosen (in this example, 3 is entered). If just
one test is to be erased, the start ID must also be entered in the To: field:ERASE
From : [ 1
]
To : [ 3 B
Press the Enter key to accept the value. The following confirmation message will then
appear:ERASE
Press ENTER to erase
readings from 1 to 3
Press the ESC key at any time (i.e. if the range is incorrect) to exit from the erase mode
and return to the main menu.
Page 26 of 34
If the range is correct, press the Enter key. The chosen range of tests will then be
removed completely from the system:ERASING.. B
When the Erudite MKIV has finished erasing the selected tests, it will return to the main
menu.
Page 27 of 34
CHAPTER 6
VIEWING RESULTS
To view the results of tests that have been stored previously, select option 5 from the main
menu. The following message will appear on the display:VIEW
Start : [ B
Type in the ID of the first set of test results that are to be displayed:VIEW
Start : [ 1 B
If results have been stored under the entered ID, then they will be displayed
For example:ID : 1 Q : 172.19
Fr : 4.477KHz
Fl : 4.473 KHz
Fh : 4.499KHz
If other sets of test results have been stored, then they can be viewed by pressing the up
or down arrow keys. Pressing the up arrow key increments the ID to show the next set of
stored results. Conversely, the down arrow key decrements it. Press the ESC key to
return to the main menu.
If no results are stored under the ID that has been entered, an error message will appear
(press any key to return to the main menu):No results found!
Page 28 of 34
CHAPTER 7
PRINTING RESULTS
If a serial printer is connected to the RS232 output on the back of the Erudite MKIV
instrument, test results may be printed in one of two formats.
The first format has been included to allow a range of stored tests results to be printed on
labels (such as the Avery type EAL01 with 8 lines of text per label plus one line of text
between each label). The labels may then be attached to the test specimens, or inside
record books for quality control purpose etc.
The second simply dumps a range of test results to a serial printer to produce a
continuous hard copy. The test results can also be dumped to a computer running
suitable communications computer software, thus allowing storage of results on computer
disks (assuming that a save function is available within the communications software).
In either case, connect the RS232 port on to the electronics unit to the printer or
computers serial port with the lead provided. Set up the computer or printer according to
the manufacturers instructions. The communications parameters are : - 9600 baud, no
parity, 8 data bits and one stop bit.
7.1
Label printing
To print labels, select option 8 from the main menu. The following display will
appear, prompting for a start to be entered:LABELS
From : [ B
To:
Enter the ID of the first test in the range to be printed (in this example, a range of 3
tests will be printed starting at test 1):LABELS
From : [ 1
To:
Once the ID has been entered, press the ENTER key to move the cursor to the
next field:LABELS
From : [ 1
To: [ B
]
]
Type in the ID of the last test of the chosen range (in this example, 3 is entered). If
just one test is to be printed, the start ID must also be entered in the TO field:ERUDITE MkIV Operating Manual
Page 29 of 34
LABELS
From : [ 1
To: [ 3 B
]
]
Press the ENTER key to accept the value. The following message will then
appear:LABELS
Press ENTER to print labels
from 1 to 3.
If the range is correct, press the ENTER key. If there are any results stored within
the chosen range, they will be printed out on the printer (one test per label). The
Erudite MKIV will then return to the main menu.
If no results were stored under any of the IDs in the range specified, then the
following message will be displayed:-
No results found!
Press any key and return to the main menu.

7.2
Dumping results
To dump test results to a printer or a computer set up the printer or
computer/communications software according to the manufacturers instructions,
then select option 6 from the main menu of the Erudite MKIV.
The following display will appear, prompting for a start ID to be entered:DUMP
From : [ B
To:
Enter the ID of the first test in the range to be dumped (in this example a range of 3
tests will be dumped, starting at test 1):-
Page 30 of 34
DUMP
From : [ 1 B
To:
Once the ID has been entered, press the ENTER key to move the cursor to the
next field:DUMP
From : [ 1
B To:[ B
]
]
Type in the ID of the last test of the chosen range (in this example, 3 is entered). If
just one test is to be dumped, the start ID must also be entered in the TO field:DUMP
From : [ 1
B To:[ 3 B
Press the ENTER key to accept the value.

appear:-
]
]
The following message will then
DUMP
Press ENTER to dump
readings from 1 to 3.
If the range is correct, press the ENTER key. If there are any test results stored
within the chosen range, they will be dumped to the printer or computer.
The Erudite MKIV will then return to the main menu.
If no results were stored under any of the IDs in the range specified, then the
following message will be displayed:-
No results found!
Press any key to return to the main menu.
Page 31 of 34
CHAPTER 8
REMOTE MODE
As the remote mode requires the use of additional software which is not yet available, the
following message will occur when this mode is attempted:-
ATTEMPTING TO MAKE
CONNECTION TO HOST
COMPUTER
After the Erudite MKIV has tried 8 times to link with the host computer (each attempt adds
another . To the display), the following message will be displayed:-
CONNECTION FAILED
CHECK : - COMPUTER,
CABLE & SOFTWARE.
PRESS ESC: CONTINUE
To exit to the main menu and choose another mode of operation, press the ESC key.
Page 32 of 34
APPENDIX A
SPECIFICATION
OSCILLATOR
Frequency range:
1Hz to 100kHz
Frequency resolution:
1 Hz to 99.99 Hz = 0.01Hz
100Hz to 999.9 Hz = 0.1 Hz
1kHz to 9.999kHz = 1Hz
10kHz = 10Hz
Output voltage:
0 to 2V pk-pk into 3P load (0.707V RMS into 3P,

1.5W) limited by software for health and safety
reasons.
Output voltage resolution:
10mV pk-pk.
Output monitor:
0.to2V pk-pk from BNC socket on rear panel for

oscilloscope X input
Input monitor:
0.to2.5V pk-pk from BNC socket on rear panel for

oscilloscope y input
DISPLAY
Display type:
20 character by 4 line liquid crystal display (LCD)
Voltage indicator :
Output and Input voltage levels are displayed on the

integral LCD to a resolution of 10mV
Frequency indicator:
Output and Input frequencies are monitored and

displayed on the integral LCD. The display resolution
is as described above under Frequency resolution
KEYPAD
Keypad Type:
16 key membrane switch panel for entering data and

control parameters
DRIVERS
Large mass specimens:
3Q contact vibration generator.
Small mass specimens:
Electromagnetic air gap driver.
Frequency response:
0 to 12kHz
VIBRATION SENSORS
Large mass specimens:
Miniature crystal accelerometer.
Small mass specimens:
Electromagnetic air gap receiver, or surface mounting

accelerometer.
Page 33 of 34
SERIAL PORT
Protocol:
Baud Rate:
Parity:
Data Bits:
Stop Bits:
RS232C
9600
None
8
1
ENVIRONMENTAL
Power supply:
110/220V, 50/60Hz single phase ac (user selectable)
Operating temperature:
0 to 40C
Dimensions:
Electronics unit 360x210x100mm (excluding handle)

Test Bench 360 x 915 x 360mm
Page 34 of 34

Erudite Mkiv Manual

Caricato da

Informazioni sul documento

Copyright

Formati disponibili

Condividi questo documento

Condividi o incorpora il documento

Opzioni di condivisione

Hai trovato utile questo documento?

Questo contenuto è inappropriato?

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

Erudite Mkiv Manual

Caricato da

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

CNS Farnell Limited

Electronics unit - Front panel layout

Electronics unit - Rear panel layout

Procedure for measuring the fundamental longitudinal resonant frequency

Procedure for measuring the fundamental flexural (transverse) resonant frequency

Procedure for measuring the fundamental torsional resonant frequency

Specimen Dimensions (Applicable to all modes)

Using the Erudite MKIV with an oscilloscope

ERUDITE MkIV Operating Manual

CNS Farnell Limited 2004 All rights reserved.

An electromagnetic vibrator, two piezo-electric sensors (one accelerometer

ERUDITE MkIV Operating Manual

CNS Farnell Limited 2004 All rights reserved.

ERUDITE MkIV Operating Manual

CNS Farnell Limited 2004 All rights reserved.

Electronics unit - Front panel layout

Delete Key, 'DEL'

-Used for selecting program options, entering

CNS Farnell Limited 2004 All rights reserved.

Electronics unit - Rear panel layout

Turns the mains power supply to the unit on or off

Mains voltage selector switch:

ERUDITE MkIV Operating Manual

CNS Farnell Limited 2004 All rights reserved.

Serial port connector for direct connection to a serial

Power output to the vibrator

An output of 0-2V pk-pk for connection to the 'X' input of

The basic support has been arranged for the vibrator

Torsion spacer blocks

Spacer blocks marked 1, 2 and 3, on which the vibrator

ERUDITE MkIV Operating Manual

CNS Farnell Limited 2004 All rights reserved.

Procedure for measuring the fundamental longitudinal resonant frequency

ERUDITE MkIV Operating Manual

CNS Farnell Limited 2004 All rights reserved.

Basic test bench showing setup for longitudinal testing

Test bench set up

ERUDITE MkIV Operating Manual

Test bench set up

CNS Farnell Limited 2004 All rights reserved.

150 x 150 x 750

TABLE 1: RANGE OF LONGITUDINAL FUNDAMENTAL

Procedure for measuring the fundamental flexural (transverse) resonant

ERUDITE MkIV Operating Manual

CNS Farnell Limited 2004 All rights reserved.

Test bench setup showing flexural testing

150 x 150 x 750

TABLE 2: RANGE OF FLEXURAL FUNDAMENTAL

ERUDITE MkIV Operating Manual

CNS Farnell Limited 2004 All rights reserved.

Procedure for measuring the fundamental torsional resonant frequency

ERUDITE MkIV Operating Manual

CNS Farnell Limited 2004 All rights reserved.

Test bench setup showing torsion testing

150 x 150 x 750

TABLE 3: RANGE OF TORSIONAL FUNDAMENTAL

ERUDITE MkIV Operating Manual

CNS Farnell Limited 2004 All rights reserved.

Specimen Dimensions (Applicable to all modes)

View of air plate fitted to vibrator

View of surface pickup

View of standard accelerometer setup

View of standard vibrator setup