Validating Accelerometers for Rotating Machinery in Structural Health Monitoring Applications

Abstract

Improving safe operation of rotating machinery by using structural health monitoring (SHM) relies on robustness and reliability of the sensors being used. Prior analysis of single components is crucial, particularly if the system is mounted in remote and inaccessible areas. In our approach, a three-step process was pursued to evaluate accelerometers in SHM applications: accelerometer selection, protective coating evaluation and characterization of sensors before mounting. Uncertainty analysis of accelerometers was used for selecting components comprehensively. The influence of protective coating was evaluated by analyzing eigenfrequencies of the coating volume. Sensors were finally validated with two setups inspired by the properties of rotating machinery. The approach highlights the importance of controlled component selection and reasonable characterization of sensors to increase the benefit of SHM in rotating machinery.