Blogs
Signal Generator Simulates Gas Turbine Speed Signals
Signal Generator Simulates Gas Turbine Speed Signals Aviation, Power Generation Simulation of Speed Signals Amplitude, Displacement Description [Application Note 61318] Gas turbine engines are complex machines comprised of two rotating sections, generally referred to as the low pressure compressor (N1) and the high pressure compressor (N2). These turbine sections feature separate shafts that produce unique tachometer signals. Gas turbine engines have multiple rotating sections generally referred to as the low pressure compressor (N1) and the high pressure compressor (N2). These turbine sections have separate shafts that produce unique tach [...]
Signal Generator Tests Charge Amplifier Gain, Frequency Response
Testing Charge Amplifier Gain and Frequency Response with a Signal Generator Aviation/Aerospace, Industrial, Power Generation, Research & Development Charge Amplifier Gain and Frequency Response Testing Amplitude (Acceleration, Vibration, Pressure) Description [Application Note 40518] Piezoelectric transducers produce small electrical charges in response to pressure. Their sensitivity, ruggedness, and stability at high temperatures make them an essential building block of many accelerometers and pressure sensors. Applications include turbine vibration measurement (accelerometers) and combustion dynamics monitoring (pressure sensors). Typically, the high-impedance charge output produced by a piezoelectric transducer must be conditioned and amplified [...]
Capacitance Sensors Track Brake Rotor Thickness Variation
Capacitance Sensors Track Brake Rotor Thickness Variation Automotive, Aviation/Aerospace Brake Rotor Testing & Manufacturing Displacement, Amplitude Description [Application Note 51018]Today’s cars and trucks offer unprecedented fuel efficiencies and handling characteristics – thanks, in part, to vehicle lightweighting. Applied to all vehicle components, lightweighting lowers stress and strain to improve mileage and boost overall performance.In keeping with this trend, today’s brake rotors are thinner and lighter than those of just a few years ago. In addition, many feature cooling vents to further improve performance. These changes, however, reduce available braking surface, forcing [...]
Vibration and Balancing Systems: The Spectrum Plot
The Spectrum Plot: Types of Aircraft Vibration One of the least understood features of the PBS series of vibration analyzers is the spectrum function. The spectrum functionality is a more difficult function to understand, but once mastered, technicians can quickly develop an extremely in-depth understanding on what is going on in an engine during a test. Figure 1, below, shows a basic spectrum from the PBS system. On the x-axis is frequency, measured in Hz (per second). On the y-axis is amplitude, measured in units of velocity, inches per second pk, or IPS pk. Figure 1: Basic Spectrum [...]
Ideal Charge Amplifier for Piezo Electric Transducers
Ideal Charge Amplifier for Piezo Electric Transducers Aviation (Turbine Engines), Automotive Research and Development, Industrial Manufacturing Vibration Monitoring: Turbine Engines; Vehicle Testing Pressure Monitoring: Combustion Engines; Pumps, Turbines Amplitude Measurements:  Acceleration, Vibration, Pressure Description Ideal Charge Amplifier for Piezo Electric Transducers Piezoelectric-type transducers such as accelerometers used for turbine vibration measurement and pressure transducers used for combustion dynamics monitoring (CDM) produce a high-impedance charge output that must be conditioned and amplified before transmission across system cabling and into measurement instrumentation. Challenge A piezoelectric transducer is a sensor that produces a [...]
Solenoid Door Latches
Solenoid Door Latches Aviation/ Aerospace Solenoid Door Latches Displacement Description A key supplier to the aerospace industry who manufactures many types of solenoid door latches was faced with the requirement to measure the motion of the lock plunger. Since the solenoid latch needs to complete the locking or unlocking cycle in as quickly as 13 milliseconds, it was critical to accurately track the fast motion of the plunger with a measurement system having a frequency response in excess of 100kHz. Because of the limited access to the interior of the [...]
Using Laser Technology to Detect Fatigue Cracks
Using Laser Technology to Detect Fatigue Cracks Aviation/ Aerospace Jet Turbine Blade Vibration Amplitude Description In order to simulate real world conditions turbine blades are vibrated in a sound chamber at a variety of elevated temperatures. A siren directs a blast of pulsed air at the leading edge of the turbine blade creating a tremendous amount of force. This force excites the turbine blade at its resonant frequency, inducing strain in the blade structure. To accurately monitor vibration amplitude and frequency, a non-contact measurement sensor is required. Non-contact eliminates any “mass [...]
Portable Vibration/Balancing System Simplifies Jet Engine Testing
Portable Vibration/Balancing System Simplifies Jet Engine Testing Aviation/Aerospace, Power Generation Jet Engine Testing Amplitude Description [Application Note 32818-2] Overall gas turbine engine vibration may be considered the summation of vibration contributions from various moving parts within the engine. The ability to correlate vibration magnitude with specific moving parts helps engineers ascertain and correct the sources of vibration. Problem Commercial and military aviation rely on vibration analysis and trim balancing to establish such correlations. Vibration analysis detects discrepancies in rotational machine dynamics; trim balancing is used to reduce vibration amplitudes of [...]
Military & Aerospace Applications
Military & Aerospace Applications Military and Aerospace electronics require similar testing for electrical safety as other electronics, but test to different standards. Vitrek's products are ideal for all of your test and compliance applications. Engine Vibration & Balancing Solutions from MTI Instruments In the aerospace industry, engine balancing is of paramount importance for several reasons. Properly balanced engines minimize vibrations, which can significantly enhance passenger comfort and reduce wear and tear on critical components. This leads to improved engine performance, fuel efficiency, and overall safety. Unbalanced engines can [...]
PBS-4100+ Gen4 Portable Vibration and Balancing System
PBS-4100+ Gen 4 Portable Vibration and Balancing System Calculate ROI Request Quote Download Brochure PBS-4100+, the latest evolution in commercial aircraft jet engine maintenance. The 4th generation of the PBS-4100+ sets the standard in jet engine turbine vibration analysis and balancing. Using the latest technology, the 4th generation PBS-4100+ continues to build on the field proven 35-year legacy of the industry’s leading vibration analysis and balancing tool. Small, lightweight, fast working and ruggedly built, the 4th generation PBS-4100+ is a truly portable solution contained in a new, high-visibility case. To further support mobile [...]








