Authors : T.B. Asafa and K.A. Suara
Abstract: This study reports a vibrometer that was designed and developed from locally available materials for laboratory applications. The three main components mechanical, electrical and visual are integrated for higher sensitivity and accuracy. The height-to-length ratio of the active component (quartz) was chosen to be 5 and a typical sensitivity of 25 pC g-1 was assumed at the design stage. The conducting electrodes measure 40x40x1 mm while the mechanical component weights 220 g. From the test conducted, the vibrometer has a static output and sensitivity of 340 and 16.7 mV g-1, respectively while the amplification gain of 100 is obtained. The calibration test based on a vibrating turning fork of 485 Hz frequency shows that the instrument performs <6.3%, the actual value and such can be used as the basis for other measurements. The vibrometer will fill the missing link of low frequency seismic instruments suitable for low frequency vibration of laboratory equipment.
T.B. Asafa and K.A. Suara, 2011. Development of a Vibrometer from Locally Available Materials for Laboratory Applications. Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 6: 373-378.