LVDT

Linear Variable Differential Transformers

Jason Hart CEE 498

This presentation covers:

How

LVDTs work Types of LVDTs AC vs. DC LVDTs Applications to Structural Engineering Costs

How LVDTs Work

Types of LVDTs
Unguided
Captive

Armature

Armature
Armature

Spring-extended

Unguided Armature
Measured Object Armature must be attached to the specimen Armature fits loosely in the bore Body must be separately supported & properly aligned
Elevation/Cross-Section View

Unguided Armature
There

is no wear on the LVDT because no contact is made between armature and bore. LVDT does not restrict the resolution of measured data (infinite resolution).
Measured Motion

Elevation/Cross-Section View

Unguided Armature
Well-suited

for short-range, high-speed applications (vibration)

Measured Motion

time

displ.

Elevation/CrossSection View

Captive Armature
Measured Object Armature must be attached to the specimen Armature is both guided and restrained by a low friction assembly Body must be separately supported

Captive Armature
Advantages compared to unguided armature:

Better for longer working ranges when misalignment may occur

Preferred

Spring-Extended Armature
Measured Object

Like the captive armature, it has a low-friction bearing assembly Internal spring to continuously push the armature to its fullest possible extension

Elevation/Cross-Section View

Spring-Extended Armature
The

spring-extended armature is best suited for slow-moving applications. between armature and specimen is not required.

Attachment

AC vs. DC

AC LVDTs
Advantages compared to DC LVDTs:
Smaller More Can

size

accurate

operate within a wide temperature range unit cost.

Lower

DC LVDTs
Advantages compared to AC LVDTs:
Ease

of installation and signal conditioning. Signal conditioning equipment is part of the LVDT. operate from dry cell batteries lower system cost

Can

Usually

Applications to Structural Engineering

LVDTs

are reliable for measuring member deflection in many structural engineering experiments.

LVDTs

can measure displacement response directly in dynamic experiments. the LVDT to a stationary location

Mounting

is critical.

Costs Unguided Armature LVDT

An LVDT with a 3 range purchased from Macrosensors, Inc. in quantities of one or two:
Costs
Costs

$330 for AC.

$485 for DC.

Costs Spring Extended Armature LVDT

An LVDT with a +/- 2 range purchased from Macrosensors, Inc. in quantities of one or two:
Costs
Costs

$1156 for AC.

$1359 for DC.

In general, costs of LVDTs range from $50 to $1600, without considering specialty LVDTs such as hermetically sealed.

Summary
LVDTs

are robust equipment for measuring deflection. AC LVDTs require separate signal conditioning equipment, while DC LVDTs include signal conditioning equipment on the device. There are three types of LVDT: unguided armature, captive armature, and spring-extended armature. AC LVDTs cost less than DC, but the entire measurement system must be considered.

References
Figure on slide 3 (How LVDTs work): http://www.daytronic.com/products/trans/lvdt/default.htm Figure on slide 12 (AC vs. DC): http://www.macrosensors.com/ms-lvdt_faq-tutorial.html Cost information obtained from Microsensors, Inc.

Links to LVDT manufacturers found in report by Tjen Nung Tjhin updated on April 24, 2001.