Aero Instrumentation Lab
Welcome to the aerospace/aeronautics instrumentation laboratory equipment page. Below you will find some of the equipment incorporated into our aerospace/aeronautics laboratory instruction. The information here is taken from content authored by Ali Abdul-Aziz, Ph.D., PE, College of Aeronautics and Engineering.
VFT2010 Basic Vibration Fundamentals Training
The Vibration Fundamentals Training System (VFT) is an integrated educational package for teaching/learning the fundamental principles of mechanical vibration as well as engineering mechanics. It provides both a comprehensive hands-on experimental device and an instrumentation package to enhance student understanding of vibration theory. Students can perform virtual experiments using the vibration simulation software and then verify the results with actual experiments thereby reinforcing the learning of difficult principles.
Features
- Fully integrated turn-key package consisting of comprehensive experimental device, wireless sensors, data acquisition instrumentation, analysis software, course curriculum, exercise book, and simulation software for virtual experimentation
- User friendly, modular, and compact bench-top device for performing controlled experiments
- Experimental setup for single and two-degrees of freedom spring-mass system (with and without damping)
- One and two-degrees of freedom torsional vibration (with and without damping)
- Vibration control experiments with viscoelastic damping and tuned-mass-damper
- Full experimental setup for beams with different boundary conditions, material, geometry, and length to understand effects on natural frequency and mode shapes
- User friendly software with pre-defined experiments integrated with data acquisition and data analysis
- Virtual experiment capabilities to learn the effects of parameters for each type of test configuration
MFS2010 Basic Machinery Fault Simulator System
Learning Machinery Diagnosis Capabilities
To gain an in-depth understanding of different vibration signatures, controlled experiments on a device that emulates real world machinery are needed. While analysis of a single machinery fault may be beneficial, there are many occasions when the analysis of the interaction between dynamic stiffness, resonance, and speed is essential in order to gain an understanding of real world vibration spectra. With the MFS, the expertise required to diagnose industrial machinery problems in well controlled experiments can be developed and enhanced. Applying this to a real-world situation, a plant running at full production, it is virtually impractical to gain an understanding of the kinetics and dynamics of machinery without adversely affecting production and profits: The MFS enables offline training and experimentation which in turn would minimize production downtime.
Features
- Simple methods for introducing controlled and calibrated faults.
- Study the vibration spectra of common faults, learn fault signatures and validate rules provided in training courses.
- Bench top machine for hands-on training and skill sharpening.
- Learn machine condition monitoring and predictive maintenance.
- Manual with exercises for individually paced study.
- Learn resonance, variable speed, gearbox, and belt drive diagnostics.
- Learn to determine vibration transmission path and perform root-cause analysis.
- Study correlation among vibration, motor current, and noise spectra.
Internal Combustion Engine Simulator
The Internal Combustion Engine Simulator (ICES) is designed to demonstrate the operating principles of a typical internal combustion engine. The ICES includes realistic pistons, connecting rod, cams, crankshaft, timing belt, timing of input/exhaust valves, bearings, and the engine block similar to a typical IC engine. The device also includes a flywheel and a planetary gearbox for studying power transmission system. The bench-top system has a spacious modular design featuring versatility, operational simplicity, and robustness.
Tool for Learning IC Engine Mechanism
To gain an in-depth understanding of different mechanisms inside the IC engine and transmission system, it is crucial to perform controlled experiments on a device that emulates real world IC engine. While demonstration of an IC engine mechanism is very beneficial for students, there are many occasions when the analysis of various configurations in the mechanism is essential in order to gain an understanding of kinematics principles used in IC engines.
Courses
Some courses that may incorporate this equipment are:
- AERN 25400: Dynamics
- AERN 35020: Aircraft Propulsion Systems
- AERN 35040: Aircraft Systems I
- AERN 35200: Thermal-Fluid Engineering
- AERN 35201: Thermal-Fluid Lab
- AERN 35400: System Dynamics and Control
- AERN 45121: Aerospace Propulsion
- AERN 45600: Aircraft Stability and Control
- AERN 45601: Aircraft Stability and Control Lab
- AERN 45700: Aircraft Design I
- AERN 45710: Turbine Engine Theory
- AERN 45711: Turbine Engine Theory Lab
- AERN 45030: Aircraft Systems II
- AERN 45121: Advanced Aerospace Propulsion
- AERN 45150: Applied Flight Dynamics I
- AERN 45151: Applied Flight Dynamics II
- AERN 45850: Aircraft Design II
- TBD: Instrumentation Course
Features
- Learn Kinematics and Dynamics of Internal Combustion Engines
- Practice Theories and Principles of Balancing Reciprocating Masses and Multi-cylinder In-line Engines
- Learn Static and Dynamic Balancing or Reciprocating Masses
- Practice Timing of Input/Exhaust Valves
- Gears and Gear Train Demonstrator
- Learn effects of flywheel energy storage and smoothening transitions
- Modular Crank Shaft which allow to study One, Two, Three, and Four Cylinder Engines (also Five and Six cylinder engines for the 6 Cylinder Engine Block)
- Simple methods for introducing controlled and calibrated faults.
- Study the vibration spectra of static and dynamic unbalance forces, common faults, learn fault signatures and validate rules provided in training courses.
- Bench top machine for hands-on training and skill sharpening.
- Manual with exercises for individually paced study.
- Modular, versatile, robust, and comprehensive.