Flores, Rhona J.

Mechanical Engineering Lab 1

Malapad, Charles Joshua
Group Task 1

Speed Measurement
I. Introduction
In kinematics, the speed (commonly referred to as v) of an object is the magnitude of the
change of its position over time or the magnitude of the change of its position per unit of
time; it is thus a scalar quantity. The average speed of an object in an interval of time is
the distance travelled by the object divided by the duration of the interval; the
instantaneous speed is the limit of the average speed as the duration of the time interval
approaches zero. Speed is the magnitude of velocity (a vector), which indicates
additionally the direction of motion.
Speed has the dimensions of distance divided by time. The SI unit of speed is the metre
per second (m/s), but the most common unit of speed in everyday usage is the kilometre
per hour (km/h) or, in the US and the UK, miles per hour (mph). For air and marine travel,
the knot is commonly used.
The fastest possible speed at which energy or information can travel, according to special
relativity, is the speed of light in vacuum c = 299792458 metres per second (approximately
1079000000 km/h or 671000000 mph). Matter cannot quite reach the speed of light, as
this would require an infinite amount of energy. In relativity physics, the concept of rapidity
replaces the classical idea of speed.
II. History
Italian physicist Galileo Galilei is usually credited with being the first to measure speed by
considering the distance covered and the time it takes. Galileo defined speed as the
distance covered per unit of time. In equation form, that is v=d/t, where v is speed, d is
distance, and t is time. A cyclist who covers 30 metres in a time of 2 seconds, for example,
has a speed of 15 metres per second. Objects in motion often have variations in speed
(a car might travel along a street at 50 km/h, slow to 0 km/h, and then reach 30 km/h).
III. Equipment
Numerous instruments are available to measure speed, but the following ones are
commonly used to calculate an object's speed or motion: speedometer, odometer, and
tachometer.
Speedometer
 speedometer, instrument that indicates the speed of a vehicle,
usually combined with a device known as an odometer that
records the distance traveled.
British inventor Charles Babbage invented an early type of
speedometer made for locomotives, though Croation inventor
Josip Belušić is credited with inventing the electric
speedometer in 1888. A speedometer indicates speed via a
circular permanent magnet that rotates 1,000 revolutions per
mile of vehicle travel.
Odometer
odometer, device that registers the distance traveled by a
vehicle. Modern digital odometers use a computer chip to track
mileage. They make use of a magnetic or optical sensor that
tracks pulses of a wheel that connects to a vehicle’s tires. This
data is stored in the engine control module (ECM). Odometers
use these stored values to determine the total distance traveled
by a vehicle.
The Roman architect and engineer Vitruvius is credited with inventing the initial version
of an odometer in 15 BCE. The concept consisted of a chariot wheel that turned 400 times
to show one Roman mile. This wheel was mounted in a frame with a 400-tooth cogwheel.
For every 400 rotations of the chariot wheel, the cogwheel would drop one pebble. In
1642 the French mathematician Blaise Pascal used the same principle to create an
apparatus that used gears and wheels. For every 10 rotations of a gear, a second gear
advanced one place. The modern odometer was invented about 1847 by pioneers William
Clayton and Orson Pratt, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
They attached their apparatus to a wagon wheel while they traversed the plains from
Nebraska to the Great Salt Lake valley.
Tachometer
A tachometer (revolution-counter, tach, rev-counter, RPM
gauge) is an instrument measuring the rotation speed of a shaft
or disk, as in a motor or other machine. The device usually
displays the revolutions per minute (RPM) on a calibrated
analogue dial, but digital displays are increasingly common.
The word comes from Greek τάχος (táchos "speed") and μέτρον
(métron "measure"). Essentially the words tachometer and
speedometer have identical meaning: a device that measures
speed. It is by arbitrary convention that in the automotive world
one is used for engine revolutions and the other for vehicle speed. In formal engineering
nomenclature, more precise terms are used to distinguish the two.
The first mechanical tachometers were based on measuring the centrifugal force, similar
to the operation of a centrifugal governor. The inventor is assumed to be the German
engineer Dietrich Uhlhorn; he used it for measuring the speed of machines in 1817. Since
1840, it has been used to measure the speed of locomotives.
Calibrating a tachometer is crucial because accurate RPM readings are essential for
several reasons. Firstly, it enables you to determine the optimal shift points in manual
transmissions, ensuring smooth gear changes and efficient power delivery. Secondly, it
helps diagnose engine problems by identifying irregular RPM patterns that may indicate
issues with the engine’s performance. Lastly, calibrated tachometers provide accurate
data for performance tuning, ensuring the engine operates within its recommended RPM
range.
Tachometers come in various types, such as analog, digital, and programmable. Analog
tachometers use a dial and a needle to display RPM readings, while digital tachometers
have a digital screen. Programmable tachometers offer additional features and
customization options. Understanding the type of tachometer you have is essential as the
calibration process may vary slightly depending on the model.
IV. Calibration
Calibration is the process of determining the true value of spaces in any graduated
instrument.
Tools Required for Calibrating a Tachometer
Before starting the calibration process, gather the necessary tools:
Tachometer calibration kit or a reference tachometer
Safety goggles
Screwdriver set
Multimeter
Tachometer calibration device or software (if applicable)
Step 1: Preparation
To ensure a successful calibration process, follow these preparatory steps:
Read the tachometer’s user manual: Familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s
instructions and specific requirements for calibration.
Safety precautions: Put on safety goggles to protect your eyes from any debris or sparks
that may occur during the process.
Gather tools: Ensure you have all the required tools mentioned earlier.
Step 2: Identifying Reference RPM
Locate the reference RPM: Some tachometers have a built-in reference RPM, while
others require an external source.
External reference RPM: If your tachometer requires an external reference RPM, connect
the reference tachometer or calibration device following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 3: Adjusting the Tachometer
Locate the calibration screw: Check the tachometer’s user manual to identify the
calibration screw’s location. It is typically located on the back or side of the tachometer.
Adjust the calibration screw: Use a screwdriver to make small adjustments to the
calibration screw. Turn it in the appropriate direction as specified in the user manual. Start
with small increments and test the readings after each adjustment.
Step 4: Verifying Calibration
Test the tachometer: Start the engine and observe the RPM readings on both the
calibrated tachometer and the reference tachometer.
Fine-tuning: If there is a significant difference between the readings, repeat Step 3 and
make further adjustments until the readings match or are within an acceptable range.
V. Application and Comparison
Analog Tachometer Digital Tachometer Programmable
Tachometer
Application • In precision • In Automotive •
machining, Engine
analog Testing, digital
tachometers tachometers
are attached provide highly
to the spindle accurate and
or motor of the stable
machine tool readings of
to monitor its the engine's
rotational RPM. This
speed. precision is
• In (HVAC) essential for
systems, tuning
analog engines and
tachometers conducting
are used to performance
monitor the tests.
RPM of HVAC • In
fans and manufacturing
blowers. This and product
 helps in Lines, digital
adjusting and tachometers
maintaining offer precise
the correct RPM
airflow rates readings,
for effective allowing
heating, operators to
cooling, and ensure that
ventilation. machinery
• In operates at
manufacturing the optimal
and assembly speed.
lines, these • In HVAC
tachometers System
are employed Performance
to monitor the Monitoring,
speed of digital
production tachometers
line measure the
equipment to RPM of fans
ensure that and blowers
conveyor with high
belts, mixers, precision,
or pumps ensuring that
operate at the they operate
correct speed within the
is vital for required
maintaining speed ranges
production for efficient
rates and HVAC
product performance.
quality.
Advantages
Disadvantages

References:
Odometer | Definition, History, & Facts | Britannica
Speed - Wikipedia
Speedometer | Encyclopedia.com
Speedometer | History, Definition, & Facts | Britannica
Tachometer - Wikipedia
The Complete Guide on How to Calibrate Tachometer (zeptac.com)

Questions:
1. Commonly referred to as “v” of an object is the magnitude of the change of its
position over time or the magnitude of the change of its position per unit of time.
Ans: Speed

2. All the choices below are a SI Unit of Speed, except: Ans. Meters (m)
• kilometers per hour (kph)
• feet per second (ft./sec)
• Mach
• Meters (m)
• Knots

3. It is an Italian physicist who usually credited with being the first to measure speed
by considering the distance covered and the time it takes. Ans. Galileo Galilei

4-8. Give tools required for calibrating tachometer.

Ans.
• Tachometer calibration kit or a reference tachometer
• Safety goggles
• Screwdriver set
• Multimeter
• Tachometer calibration device or software (if applicable)
9. British Inventor who invented an early type of speedometer made for locomotives. Ans.
Charles Babbage
10. An instrument that indicates the speed of a vehicle. Ans. Speedometer
11. An instrument measuring the rotation speed of a shaft or disk, as in a motor or other
machine. Ans. Tachometer
12. A device that registers the distance traveled by a vehicle. Ans. Odometer
13. Is the process of determining the true value of spaces in any graduated instrument.
Ans. Calibration
14-16. Give me three (3) various types of tachometers.
Ans.
• Analog Tachometers
• Digital Tachometers
• Programmable Tachometers
17-20. Provide the four (4) steps for calibrating a Tachometer.
Ans.
• Preparation
• Identifying Reference RPM
• Adjusting the Tachometer
• Verifying Calibration