Reference no: EM133097699

210MAE Instrumentation and Control - Coventry University

Learning Outcome 1: Develop and apply knowledge and understanding of scientific principles and methodology necessary to underpin their education in mechanical and related engineering disciplines, to enable appreciation of its scientific and engineering context and to support their understanding of future developments and technologies.

Learning Outcome 2: Demonstrate an understanding of and ability to apply a systems approach to engineering problems.

Learning Outcome 3: Apply knowledge of characteristics of particular equipment and processes.

Learning Outcome 4: Appraise technical literature and other information sources.

QUESTION 1 Background
Modern day engineering systems are equipped with advanced instrumentation and control systems on board measuring and controlling static and dynamic processes. Measurement of quantities of interest is carried out using suitable sensors/transducers. Control units are designed to monitor and control static and dynamic state of systems via sensors and transducers by use of inputs, outputs and feedback.

In this question you are required to choose ONE of the following systems than answer parts a) to e) below:

• Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine
• Wind turbine for generating electricity
• A drone

Complete the following tasks:

a) Choose ONE system listed above and research/write how the chosen system uses sensors (for inputs, outputs and feedback) during its normal operation.

Choose ONLY ONE of the sensor/transducer that you identified in the chosen system above in part a) and answer the following: (NOTE: DON'T CHOSE STRAIN GAUGE OR TEMPERATURE SENSOR)

b) Answer the question to include the following aspects; how the chosen sensor/transducer is made, how it works, what signal it generates, and how its output signal is processed during its normal operation.

c) With an aid of detailed graph/s demonstrate typical input-output relationship for the chosen sensor/transducer and write appropriate and detailed mathematical equations relating input-to- output.

d) Find manufacturer's data sheet for the chosen sensor/transducer. Provide details and justify the characteristics in the order of relevance for the chosen system in part a) - include both static and dynamic characteristics. Do NOT copy/paste/crop the characteristics from datasheets!

e) Demonstrate with typical examples how the chosen sensor/transducer is used in other engineering systems (2 other systems).

QUESTION 2

A load cell is fitted at a critical section under a structural bridge to monitor the weight on it (Figure Q2). The load cell is calibrated at an accredited laboratory in the UK. The calibration was carried out in ambient temperature of approximately 20°C. During calibration the applied loads where in a range 0 kN to 250 kN in steps of 25 kN using a highly accurate loading machine. The output voltage generated by the load cell was measured using a high performance voltmeter set to 15 mV range. The output voltages generated by the load cell during calibration were recorded and presented in Table Q2.1.

Moreover, a strain gauge and a temperature sensor is attached on the outer surface of the load cell housing to measure induced strain and temperature during calibration (Figure Q2).

Complete the following tasks for the Question 2:

a) Determine and justify the missing values (?) in Table Q2.1 above.

b) Evaluate and discuss the static sensitivity of the voltage output.

c) Evaluate and discuss the non-linearity of the voltage output.

d) Evaluate and discuss the hysteresis of the voltage output.

e) The load cell output voltages (differential output) (Table Q2.1) require amplification with a gain of 100

i. With an aid of a detailed sketch including amplifier configuration and theories justify the most appropriate amplifier to be used in this application.

ii. Design and simulate a complete and original SIMULINK model and discuss its working and demonstrate the results. Moreover, compare and discuss the SIMULINK results with hand calculations using theory of instrumentation and amplifiers.

f) The structural bridge is designed to carry loads up to 250 kN. When the load cell measures loads > 250 kN, it activates an alarm system notifying structural safety engineers of the overload!

In the original SIMULINK model created in part e. ii) add an alarm system and discuss its working and demonstrate the results. Note; the alarm system does not have to be audible.

g) The strain gauge attached to the load cell housing is not temperature self-compensating and the long leads from the strain gauge to the signal processing circuit are subject to temperature variations of ±1°C.

With an aid of a detailed sketch show a typical complete strain gauge circuit including all three stages of the signal processing circuit and discuss its working. Moreover determine the relationship between the output signal and strain and discuss its working.

h) A temperature sensor was attached on the outer surface of the load cell to measure the temperature variations during calibration.

Select the most suitable temperature sensor for this application and justify your selection, explain how the temperature sensor works, how it should be configured and finally show the signal processing stages for the chosen temperature sensor. Moreover determine the relationship between the output signal and the temperature and discuss its working.

i) Calibration of measuring instruments and systems is vital in engineering industry.

Describe the calibration process applied to measuring instruments in general. You may use annotated sketches, graphs, diagrams and written text to aid your answer.

Attachment:- Instrumentation and Control.rar