AL-Balqa Applied University

Faculty of Engineering Technology

Department of Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Transducer and Measurement Laboratory
 Faculty of engineering Technology

Mechanical engineering department

Mechanical Transducer and Measurement Laboratory

Experiment (1) : Variation of output voltage in a

potentiometer used as a position Transducer

Student name:

Student number:

Submission date:
Objectives:
1- To study how we can used Variation of output voltage in a
potentiometer as a position Transducer

Introduction:

Resistive Transducers for Applications in Linear or Angular Position

This kind of resistive transducers basically consist on devices that allows to travel
conductive track fixed resistance with a cursor that slips for it and in all moment
defines two resistances whose sum is similar to the total resistance of the track.

At the time that one varies from 0 to the value R of the track the other one evolves to
the inverse.

The Transducers Trainer has the following devices of this type (see figure 1)

Figure 1

A rectilinear potentiometer is used to measure linear position A rotatory

potentiometer is used to measure angular position
 As you see in the figure 1 the track is settled around the solidary axis to the cursor.
The distribution of the resistance along the track can be lineal or logarithmic
depending that is to say on the application that will give to the device, when we
will include it in a circuit it is necessary keep in mind as much its ohmic value as
its variation law.

In our case the value of the resistance is of 100KΩ and the lineal distribution.

The servo-potentiometer is a track of conductive plastic and continuous endless turn,

and with a resistive value of 20KΩ.

Potentiometer of Longitudinal Track of Carbon.

The difference with the previous potentiometer resides in the disposition on straight
line of the track and a cursor that has a slip mechanism and an external control to
transfer it along the track as we can see in the figure 5.1.1.

The same thing that in the previous case the distribution of the resistance along the
track can follow a linear or logarithmic distribution.

In our case the ohmic value is 10KΩ and the law of variation is linear.
Wire wound Potentiometer.

In this case the electric resistance is presented by a conductive thread of nickel alloy with
high resistivity coefficient to reduce the longitude necessary of the thread as much as
possible and/or to increase its section, with the purpose of improving its reliability.

This thread is coiled around an insulating core (see figure 5.1.1) and the group has circular
form in volume to an axis that holds the cursor. Potentiometers of one or ten turns are
manufactured, with different ohmic values and obviously linear law.

The Trainer DL 2312HG goes provided with two potentiometers of this type: One of one
turn 1KΩ potentiometer, and another of 10 turns 10KΩ integrated in the Wheatstone
bridge.

In some vertions of this trainer is included a one turn 1KΩ conductive plastic
potentiometer instead.
Procedure :
Connect the circuit as is shown in the figure 2, using the 100KΩ potentiometer and
only use the digital meter in the output B.
Connect the potentiometer control to zero.

Figure 2
Observe the output voltage:
(1) Use only the digital meter
(2) Use only the moving coil meter
(3) Use both meters

Fill in the table 1.

 Put the potentiometer control to ¼ of trip and repeat the lectures for this position,
writing the obtained values in the table 4

Repeat the procedure for control positions of ½, ¾ , and to full trip, recording the
lectures in the respective column.

Table 1

Study the gotten lectures.

The voltages with the digital meter will be higher than the one gotten with the moving coil meter (mcm)

The reason of that is the load effect for the output circuit when using the moving coil
meter. The moving coil meter incorporated in the Trainer DL 2312HG has a resistance
of 30KΩ.
A digital meter usually has an input impedance of 10MΩ.
Repeat the procedure using the 1KΩ conductive plastic potentiometer and
then the 10KΩ slide carbon potentiometer.

You must take lectures with:

(1) The digital meter only.

(2) Both meters simultaneously.

Insert the values in the tables 2 and 3

Table 2
 Table 3

Study the obtained readings.

The load effect of the moving coil meter is less pronounced as smaller the
potentiometer resistance is

Make graphs of voltage as a function of the slider position, using only the digital
meter, for the three potentiometers and in the following three coordinate systems

We can expect some variation from ideal characteristics due to the difficulty of
reach the correct slider position.
The Moving Coil Meter.

The moving coil meter consists basically on a coil in rectangular form suspended
between the poles of a permanent magnet that has attached a needle that moves
throughout the scale of the meter.

This square or coil is keep up in its central position for two springs in spiral form
whose antagonistic force can balance with a “screw for zero adjustment" that
determines the initial position of the needle.

Figure 3

When a current is applied to the coil through the springs, takes place a magnetic field
that reacts with the field of the permanent magnet, producing a rotation of the reel and
therefore of the needle.
The coil rotates until the force taken place by the current is balanced by the force of recovery
of the springs.

The coil goes rolled in a spool of aluminum in such a way that this moves inside the
magnetic field producing an electromotive force (e.m.f) that tends to damp the movement of
the coil.
This effect, together with the inertia of the group, limits the speed of indicator response.

The springs in spiral are good to allow a great angular movement and from here that the flow
of current in the circuit of the meter is limited to low values. When it is used as voltmeter, a
series resistance is required to limit the flowing current to the value that produces the
deflection of the needle until the scale bottom.

The main characteristics of the moving coil meter adapted to The Trainer DL 2312HG are
those that are indicated next:

Current (full scale) = 500 A

Sensitivity = 3000 /V
Resistance (total Circuit) = 30k
Precision = Class 2
.
 Faculty of engineering Technology

Mechanical engineering department

Mechanical Transducer and Measurement Laboratory

Experiment (2): strain gauge

Student name:

Student number:

Submission date:
Objectives:
1- To study strain gauge
2- To know the relationship between number of turns and output voltage

Theory:

A Strain gauge (sometimes referred to as a Strain gage) is a sensor whose resistance

varies with applied force; It converts force, pressure, tension, weight, etc., into a
change in electrical resistance which can then be measured. When external forces
are applied to a stationary object, stress and strain are the result.
Stress is defined as the object's internal resisting forces, and strain is defined as the
displacement and deformation that occur.

The figure shows the construction of a strain gauge that consists basically on a
grill of fine wire or semiconductor material on a support material

When it is in use, the unit are cemented to the test element and is settled so that
the variation in longitude under load conditions is along the sensitive axis of the
indicator.
The increase in the load then increases the longitude of the wire and for this reason its
resistance increases.

The indicator goes usually connected to a Wheatstone bridge with the balanced bridge
under conditions without load.

Any resistance change due to the load unbalance the bridge (detected by means of a
Galvanometer)
The arrangement used for unit of The Transducer's Trainer is shown in the figure 2.1

Figure 2.1

The resistances are electro-deposited in a substrate on a contact block to the right end
of the assembly with two active indicators integrated along the shaft and two falses
integrated in the angles to the right of these.
Procedure:
Connect the circuit as is shown in the figure 2.2 and put the coarse control of the
amplifier 1 to 100 and its fine control at 0.5.

Turn the power on and, without load in the platform of the gauge, adjust the offset
control of the amplifier 1 and the potentiometer of wheatstone bridge (around 3.6) so
that the output voltage is zero.

Figure 2.2
Put in contact the load screw with the plate for, if necessary put again zero on M.C.M.

Repeat the process, adding additional load, by turning the load screw, writing the output
voltage in each step and inserting the values in the table 27.

Turn 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5

Output voltage

Trace a graph of the output voltage versus the number of coins in the following axes .
 Faculty of engineering Technology

Mechanical engineering department

Mechanical Transducer and Measurement Laboratory

Experiment (3) : PRT Calibration

Student name:

Student number:

Submission date:
 Objectives:

1- To show how the platinum resistance thermometer works and how to connect it correctly.

2- To show the linearity of the platinum resistance thermometer (PRT).

3- To prove that the platinum resistance thermometer is good for use as a reference
temperature sensor for all the other experiments.

Procedure:

1- Connect the circuit as is shown in the figure 3.1

Figure3. 1 Connection for Experiment 3

 2- Create a blank results table, similar to Table

3- Connect the reference sensor to its socket and connect the PRT to the millivoltmeter and
the constant current source as shown in Figure 1. Note that the PRT is connected as a four
wire device.

4- Setup the heater and icebox as shown in Initial Setup

Initial Setup (for Experiment 3 onwards)

a. Disconnect the electrical supply.

b. Shut the drain valve at the back of the heater tank.

c. Remove the lid of the heater tank and fill it with approximately 1.5
Liters of clean water, so that it is half full.

NOTE

For best results, fill the heater tank with chilled or very cold water (between 5 and 10°C)
and do your experiment while it is still cold. This will give you more results for your
experiments

d. Refit the lid of the heater tank.

e. Add ice to the icebox and put its lid on.

f. Make sure the heater switch is off and reconnect the electrical supply.

g. Fit and adjust the black ‘O’ rings (supplied) to each device you
are to use. Adjust the ‘O’ ring so that each device is immersed in
the heater tank water by between 70 mm and 80 mm. If necessary,
add more water to the Heater Tank.
 NOTE

If you add more water to the heater tank, it will take more time to reach boiling.
This can help give you more time to take results, but will make the experiment last longer.

Put the reference sensor and the PRT into the icebox (through the holes in its lid). Wait a
few minutes for the readings to stabilize and record them (the reference temperature should
be between 0°C and 1°C).

Now put both devices into the heater tank (through the holes in its lid). Switch on the heater
and note the reference temperature.
5- At intervals of 10°C (shown by the reference temperature), record the
input 1 readings of the millivoltmeter.

You may not be able to get a reading lower than 20°C in the
NOTE
heater - as the cold water you put in it may already be at room
Temperature as you starts this experiment.

6- Stop the experiment and switch off the heater when the reference
temperature reaches 100°C.

Results Analysis

Given that the constant current is 1 mA, use Ohm’s law (see Theory
section) to calculate the resistance of the PRT for each row in your table.
You should see that is directly proportional to the measured voltage.

Plot a chart of resistance (vertical axis) against temperature (horizontal axis).

Start the vertical axis at 100 Ohm.

Draw a best curve through your results to see how the PRT gives a good linear
resistance change over the range 0 to 100°C. Note that resistance increases with
temperature (positive temperature coefficient).

Add to your results table and chart, the standard resistances given in Table 1 on
page 15 that match the reference temperatures. On your chart, draw a straight line
through the standard values. Note any differences between the standard and your
measured resistances.

On your results table, find the difference between the standard and your results
(the deviation) and calculate the percentage error.

Percentage error = (deviation/standard) x 100

From your results, can you understand why we can use the PRT as an

accurate reference sensor? Can you identify any possible causes of error
 Faculty of engineering Technology

Mechanical engineering department

Mechanical Transducer and Measurement Laboratory

Experiment 4 - Calibration of the Liquid in glass, Gas (vapour)

pressure and Bi-metal Devices

Student name:

Student number:

Submission date:
 Objective

1-To show the linearity and accuracy of the liquid in glass, gas (vapour) pressure
and Bi-metal devices, by calibration against the reference sensor.

Procedure

1. Create a blank results table, similar to Table.

If you have VDAS®, the software will automatically log

NOTE your results, so you do not need to draw a table.
Also, you can use the software to create extra calculated
fields of deviation and error (before you start the
experiment) to help you automatically create your results
(see the results analysis).
2. Setup the heater and icebox as shown in Initial Setup (for
Experiment 3 onwards)

3. Choose one of the liquid in glass thermometers. Put the reference sensor
and the thermometer into the icebox (through the holes in its lid). Wait a
few minutes for the readings to stabilize and record them (the reference
temperature should be between 0°C and 1°C).

4. Now put both devices into the heater tank (through the holes in its lid).
Switch on the heater and note the reference temperature.

5. At intervals of 10°C (shown by the reference temperature), record the

readings of the thermometer.

NOTE You may not be able to get a reading lower than 20°C in the heater -
as the cold water you put in it may already be at room temperature as you
start this experiment.
To help slow down the experiment, it may help to switch the
heater off as the temperature approaches each 10°C interval,
while you take your reading, then switch the heater back on.

6. Stop the experiment and switch off the heater when the reference
temperature reaches 100°C.

7. Repeat the experiment for the other liquid in glass thermometer, the gas
(vapour) pressure thermometer and the bi-metal thermometer. Allow the
heater water to cool down (and change it if necessary for
cooler water) between tests.

The gas (vapour) pressure and bi-metal thermometers have a

NOTE mechanical gauge, so you must gently ‘tap’ them with your
fingers before recording their reading. This removes any
static friction or ‘stiction’ in their mechanism, which would
give you false readings.
 Results Analysis

For each device, find the deviation and calculate the percentage error to

complete your results tables. Create charts of the indicated temperature

(vertical axis) against reference temperature (horizontal axis).

Add to your charts, the reference temperature (against its own readings)
to create a linear standard to compare against the indicated readings.

On your results table, find the difference between the standard and
your results (the deviation) and calculate the percentage error.

Percentage error = (deviation/standard) x 100

Compare the devices against the standard to see which is the most

accurate over the range. Can you identify any possible causes of error.
 Faculty of engineering Technology

Mechanical engineering department

Mechanical Transducer and Measurement Laboratory

Experiment 5 - NTC Thermistor Linearity

Student name:

Student number:

Submission date:
 Objective

1-To show how the NTC Thermistor works.

2-To show the non-linearity of the NTC Thermistor.

Procedure
1. Connect the reference sensor to its socket and connect the NTC Thermistor
to the millivoltmeter and the constant current source as shown in Figure
5.1.

ONSTANT V

Figure 5.1.

2. Connect the reference sensor to its socket and connect the NTC Thermistor
to the millivoltmeter and the constant current source as shown in Figure
5.1.
3. Setup the heater and icebox as shown in Initial Setup (for
Experiment 3 onwards)

4. Put the reference sensor and the NTC Thermistor into the icebox
(through the holes in its lid). Wait a few minutes for the readings to
stabilize and record them (the reference temperature should be between
0°C and 1°C).

5. Now put both devices into the heater tank (through the holes in its lid).
Switch on the heater and note the reference temperature.

Results Table
6. At intervals of 10°C (shown by the reference temperature), record
the input 1 readings of the millivoltmeter.

7. Stop the experiment and switch off the heater when the reference
temperature reaches 100°C.

Results Analysis
Given that the constant current is 1 mA, use Ohm’s law (see Theory section)
to calculate the resistance of the Thermistor for each row in your table. You
should see that is directly proportional to the measured voltage.

Plot a chart of resistance (vertical axis) against temperature (horizontal axis).

Draw a best fit curve through your results to see how the NTC
Thermistor gives a non-linear resistance change over the range 0 to
100°C. Note how your results prove that resistance goes down as
temperature increases.

Add to your results table and chart, the standard resistances for the NTC
Thermistor from Table 2 on page 16 and compare the curves. On your
results table, find the difference between the standard and your results (the
deviation) and calculate the percentage error.

Percentage error = (deviation/standard) x 100

 Faculty of engineering Technology

Mechanical engineering department

Mechanical Transducer and Measurement Laboratory

Experiment 6 - J and K Type Thermocouple Linearity

Student name:

Student number:

Submission date:
Objective
1- To show how thermocouples work

2- To show and compare the linearity and output signal levels of J and K
type thermocouples

Procedure

INPUT 1 INPUT 2 INPUT 3 INPUT 4

MILLIVOLTMETER

PRT SENSOR AND

NTC THERMISTOR

WHEATSTONE
BRIDGE

REFERENCE
SENSOR
CONSTANT
CURRENT
SOURCE
PRT SIMULATOR VOLTAGE
SOURCE

J - Type = Black
K - Type = Green

G = 20
THERMOCOUPLE

J - Type = White
K - Type = White

JUNCTIONS

RESISTORS
Thermocouple

Connections for Experiment 6 - J and K Type Thermocouple Linearity

1. Create a blank results table, similar to Table 6.

2. Connect the reference sensor to its socket and connect the J or K type
thermocouple to the amplifier and the millivoltmeter as shown in Figure
6.1. The amplifier amplifies the small voltage from the thermocouple by
20. This makes it suitable for the millivoltmeter. The actual voltage from the
thermocouple will therefore be 1/20 of the reading from the millivoltmeter.

3. Setup the heater and icebox as shown in Initial Setup (for

Experiment 3 onwards)

4. Put the reference sensor and the thermocouple into the icebox (through
the holes in its lid). Wait a few minutes for the readings to stabilize and
record them (the reference temperature should be approximately 0°C).

5. Now put both devices into the heater tank (through the holes in its lid).
Switch on the heater and note the reference temperature.

Table 6 Blank Results Table

 6. At intervals of 10°C (shown by the reference temperature), record
the input 1 readings of the millivoltmeter.

7. Stop the experiment and switch off the heater when the reference
temperature reaches 100°C.

8. Repeat the procedure for the other thermocouple.

Results Analysis

Divide your millivoltmeter readings by 20 to find the actual measured voltage

generated by the thermocouples for each row in your table.

For each thermocouple, plot a chart of actual measured voltage (vertical axis)
against temperature (horizontal axis).

NOTE If you have VDAS®, the software already has a

divide by 20 data field.

Draw a best fit curve through each of your results to see how linear the voltage change
is for each thermocouple over the range 0 to 100°C. Note how your results prove that
voltage goes up as temperature increases.

Compare your results with the standard specifications for the thermocouples
given in Table 3 on page 17 and Table 4 on page 18.

On your results table, find the difference between the standard and your results (the
deviation) and calculate the percentage error.

Percentage error = (deviation/standard) x 100

Your results should be reasonably linear, but the deviation may be large and
consistent (an offset). Can you identify the causes of any errors? Hint
- think about the thermocouples and the connections to the amplifier.

Can you understand why thermocouple connections are important, and why you
cannot simply connect a thermocouple directly to an ordinary measuring device and
expect it to work correctly?
 Faculty of engineering Technology

Mechanical engineering department

Mechanical Transducer and Measurement Laboratory

Experiment 7 - Thermocouples and the Seebeck Effect

Student name:

Student number:

Submission date:
Objective

1-To connect two identical thermocouples together and prove the Seebeck
effect.

2-To show that when one junction of two directly connected thermocouples is
at a known reference temperature, you can calibrate the pair to directly
measure temperature on the Celsius scale.

Procedure

INPUT 1 INPUT 2 INPUT 3 INPUT 4

MILLIVOLTMETER

PRT SENSOR AND

NTC THERMISTOR

WHEATSTONE
BRIDGE

REFERENCE
SENSOR
CONSTANT
CURRENT
SOURCE
PRT SIMULATOR VOLTAGE
SOURCE

Green

G = 20
THERMOCOUPLE
K-type

JUNCTIONS
White
Heater Ice wires

together RESISTORS

Figure 6.1 Connections for Experiment 7 - Thermocouples and the Seebeck Effect
1. Create a blank results table, similar to Table 16.

NOTE If you have VDAS®, the software will automatically log

your results, so you do not need to draw a table.

2. Connect the two K-type thermocouples to the amplifier as shown in

Figure 42. Link the two white wires together on a spare socket (the
diagram uses the connection at the end of the resistors).

Table 16 Blank Results Table

3. Setup the heater and icebox as shown in Initial Setup (for

Experiment 3 onwards) on page 35.

4. Put the reference sensor and the two thermocouples into the icebox
(through the holes in its lid). Wait a few minutes for the readings to
stabilize and record them (the reference temperature should be between
0°C and 1°C).

Seebeck Effect

Reference Measured Measured Standard

Temperature Voltage Voltage/20 Voltage
(°C) (mV) (V) (V) Deviation Error (%)
 5. Now put the reference sensor and the K - type thermocouple shown in
the diagram with ‘heater’ into the heater tank (through the holes in its
lid). Leave the other thermocouple in the ice. Switch on the heater and
note the reference temperature.

6. At intervals of 10°C (shown by the reference temperature), record

the input 1 readings of the millivoltmeter.

7. Stop the experiment and switch off the heater when the reference
temperature reaches 100°C.

Results Analysis

Note how the thermocouples produce little or no voltage when their junctions are
both in the ice at the same temperature (approximately 0°C). Also note that the
thermocouples produce a voltage when one junction is at a different temperature to
the other, and this voltage is with respect to 0°C where one junction is in the ice.

To complete your table, divide the millivoltmeter reading by 20 to get the actual
measured voltage and add the standard voltages for each temperature from the K type
specifications of Table 4 on page 18.

Create a chart of voltage (vertical axis) against reference temperature.

NOTE If you have VDAS®, the software already has a divide by 20

data field.

Add to your chart, the standard voltages and the actual measured voltage. Draw best
fit lines through your results and compare them with the standard.

On your results table, find the difference between the standard and your results (the
deviation) and calculate the percentage error.

Percentage error = (deviation/standard) x 100

Can you explain the cause of any errors? Hint - think about the connecting junction
between the thermocouples, the initial ice temperature and the amplifier.
 Faculty of engineering Technology

Mechanical engineering department

Mechanical Transducer and Measurement Laboratory

Experiment 8 - Thermocouples and Circuit Resistance

Student name:

Student number:

Submission date:
 Objective
 To show how resistance in the measuring circuit can affect the
readings from thermocouples.

Procedure 1 - Series (wire) Resistance

INPUT 1 INPUT 2 INPUT 3 INPUT 4

MILLIVOLTMETER

PRT SENSOR AND

NTC THERMISTOR

WHEATSTONE
BRIDGE

REFERENCE
SENSOR
CONSTANT
CURRENT
SOURCE
PRT SIMULATOR VOLTAGE
SOURCE

White
G = 20
THERMOCOUPLE
K-type

JUNCTIONS
Green

RESISTORS

Figure Connections for Experiment 8 - Thermocouples and Circuit Resistance

1. Create a blank results table, similar to Table.

2. Connect the reference sensor and a K-type thermocouple as shown in Figure 43.

3. Connect the K-type thermocouple directly to the amplifier input, but use the
socket at the end of the resistors as a connection point as shown in Figure 43.

4. Setup the heater as shown in Initial Setup (for Experiment 3 onwards

NOTE You do not need ice for this experiment.

Table 8.1

5. Put the reference sensor and the K - type thermocouple into the heater
tank (through the holes in its lid).

6. Switch on the heater. When the heater water reaches approximately

100°C, measure and record the actual reference temperature and the
millivoltmeter reading.
7. As shown by the dotted line of Figure 43, move the connecting wire to
the next socket along the resistors, to add 10 Ohm resistance to the
cable. Note the millivoltmeter reading.

8. Now move the connecting wire to the next sockets to add 110 Ohm
(10+100) and 1110 Ohm (10+100+1000) series resistances.
Procedure 2 - Parallel (Measuring Instrument) Resistance

Figure 8.1 Connections for Experiment 8 - Thermocouples and Circuit Resistance - Procedure 2
1. Create a blank results table, similar to Table.

2. Connect the reference sensor and a K-type thermocouple (green and white)
as shown in Figure 8.1.

3. Connect the K-type thermocouple directly to the amplifier input, use the
socket at the left end of the resistors as a connection point as shown in Figure
8.1 (both wires 1 and 2 in the left most socket).

4. Setup the heater as shown in Initial Setup (for Experiment 3

onwards)

Table Blank Results Table

5. Put the reference sensor and the K - type thermocouple into the heater
tank (through the holes in its lid).

6. Switch on the heater. When the heater water reaches approximately

100°C, measure and record the actual reference temperature and the
millivoltmeter reading.

7. As shown by the (thinner) dotted line of Figure 44, move the connecting
wire (2) only to the next socket along the resistors, to add 10 Ohm
resistance across (parallel to) to the amplifier input. Note the
millivoltmeter reading.
8. Now move the connecting wire (2) only to the next sockets one after
the other to add 110 Ohm (10+100) and 1110 Ohm (10+100+1000)
parallel resistances take a reading each time.

Results Analysis
From each of your results, subtract the no resistance results from the results with
resistance and find the percentage error.

Percentage error = ((reading with resistance - no resistance reading)/no

resistance reading) x 100

Note how the increased series resistance (simulating long cables) has only a
relatively small affect on the measured signal, but errors increase with
increased series resistance.

Also note that parallel resistance (simulating a low resistance input to a

measuring instrument) has a large affect on the measured signal and
errors decrease with increased parallel resistance. Proving that an
instrument with a high input impedance is best for connection to a
thermocouple.
 Faculty of engineering Technology

Mechanical engineering department

Mechanical Transducer and Measurement Laboratory

Experiment 9 - Thermocouples in Series and Parallel

Student name:

Student number:

Submission date:
Objective
1- To show how thermocouples work when connected in series and parallel.

Procedure 1 - Thermocouples in Series

Connections for Experiment 9 - Thermocouples in Series and Parallel - Procedure 1

1. Create a blank results table, similar to Table 19.

2. Connect the reference sensor.

NOTE This is not the same as the connection to show the

Seebeck effect, the polarities are opposite.

3. Setup the heater and icebox as shown in Initial Setup (for

Experiment 3 onwards) .

Table 9.1 Blank Results Table

4. Temporarily connect just one thermocouple to the input of the amplifier,

and connect the amplifier output to input 1 of the millivoltmeter.

5. Put the reference sensor and the K-type thermocouple into the heater
tank (through the holes in its lid).

6. Switch on the heater. When the heater water reaches approximately

100°C, measure and record the actual reference temperature and the
millivoltmeter reading.

7. Now connect the second K-type thermocouple in series with the first,
as shown in Figure 45. Put the second thermocouple into the heater
(through the holes in its lid).

8. Record the new millivoltmeter reading.

Procedure 2 - Thermocouples in Parallel

Figure 9.2 Connections for Experiment 9 - Thermocouples in Series and Parallel -

Procedure 2
1. Create a blank results table, similar to Table 9.2.

2. Connect the reference sensor.

3. Setup the heater and icebox as shown in Initial Setup (for

Experiment 3 onwards)

Table 9.2

4. Temporarily connect just one thermocouple to the input of the amplifier,

and connect the amplifier output to input 1 of the millivolt meter.

5. put the reference sensor and the K-type thermocouple into the icebox
(through the holes in its lid). Allow conditions to stabilize and record the
reference temperature and millivoltmeter reading.

6. put the reference sensor and the K-type thermocouple into the heater tank
(through the holes in its lid).

7. Switch on the heater. When the heater water reaches approximately

100°C, measure and record the actual reference temperature and the
millivoltmeter reading.
8. Now connect the second K-type thermocouple in parallel with the first, as
shown in Figure. Put one thermocouple into the heater (through the holes in
its lid) and the other into the icebox.

9. Record the new millivolt meter reading.

Results Analysis
Confirm that in series, the measured voltage is the sum (twice) that of the single
voltage. Also confirm that when connected in parallel, the measured voltage is the
average of Appendix 1
 Faculty of engineering Technology

Mechanical engineering department

Mechanical Transducer and Measurement Laboratory

Experiment 10 - Analyze the measurement results of

Roughness

Student name:

Student number:

Submission date:
Objective :
 To Analyze the measurement results of a sample

Equipment:
 Roughness tester
 specimen

In figure you can see a typical instrument screen:

Main screen.

There are two horizontal bands in the upper and lower area of the screen, in those areas
we find some quick access icons to some system functions plus others dedicated to the
navigation between screens and between menus:
1. Back to main menu.

2. Back to the previous screen.

3. Pickup position indicator and quick access to the positioning screen.

4. Bluetooth status indicator and quick access to the bluetooth management screen.

5. Quick access to the automatic saving in the archive enable/disable screen.

6. Performs the capture of the current screen and saves it as image file on a
connected usb device in WARP_Screenshots folder.

7. Current measure mode Indicator and quick access to the measurement settings
screen. (R roughness mode, P profilometry mode)

8. Indicates the current battery charge status and gives access to the system info
screen.

9. Indicates current time and gives access to the date and time settings window. 10.
Displays current screen title.

The central area of the screen represents the main area of use of the instrument and can
contains, according to the level in which we are, a menu composed by icons or one of
the many system functions management screens.

How to calibrate the instrument roughness

To activate the calibration screen select the icon from main

menu, then from inside

the calibration screen select roughness mode with the icon

 .

The steps to be performed are the following:

1. Select the suitable pickup for roughness measurement by clicking on the pickup
box.

2. Select the parameter on which calibrates the instrument.

3. Enter the nominal value of the specimen.

4. Select the number of measures to be performed

5. Perform each single measure by selecting the icon . It is possible to

delete the last performed measure after having performed at least one measure by

selecting the icon .

6. At the end of the measurement cycle, to confirm and conclude the calibration

operation select the icon .

 Analyze the measurement results of Roughness

The roughness measure results screen is displayed automatically at the end of each
measure or after a measure has been loaded from the archive or from the database. If
the results of a measure have already been loaded in memory and you are on a
different screen, it is possible to go back anytime to the measure results screen by
clicking on the physical button

Roughness measure results screen in parameters view mode.

1. Parameters list display area.

2. Parameters view mode selection.

3. Profile view mode selection.

4. Dominant waviness view mode selection.

5. Activation of acquired data management icons list.

The current active view mode is displayed with red color background icon.

By clicking on a parameter you will get a little pop-up screen containing a brief
description, both graphical and textual, of the parameter's calculation standard.
If you select one of the profile view modes the screen will be as follows:

Roughness measure results screen in graph view mode.

1. Graph view area.

2. Bearing ratio view area.

3. Density curve view area.

4. Profile parameters view area .

If you select the Dominant waviness details display mode the screen will be as
follows:

Dominant waviness details screen.

1. Graph view area.

2. Parameters view area.

 Faculty of engineering Technology
Mechanical engineering department
Mechanical Transducer and Measurement Laboratory

Experiment 11 - Analyze the measurement results of

Profilometry

Student name:

Student number:

Submission date:
Objective:
 To Analyze the measurement results of Profilometry

Equipment:
 Roughness tester
 specimen

To activate the calibration screen select the icon from main menu, then from

inside the calibration screen select profilometry mode with the icon .

Figure profilometry calibration screen, phase one

Select the suitable pickup for profilometry measure.

Enter the nominal value of the roughness specimen.

Position the pickup on the roughness specimen then select the icon . The

If the selected mode is profilometry we will get the following screen:

profilometry measure parameters settings screen.

1. Pickup type selection.

2. Measure starting point selection.

3. Measure length selection.

4. Measure speed selection.

5. Horizontal traverse unit movement.

6. Control panel of the instrument x and z axis position.

When the settings have been applied it is possible to start the centering
 management screen to perform a test measure and any traverse unit positioning
operations by selecting the quick access icon :

Positioning screen.

1. Measure preview display area.

2. Graphical indicator of the pickup tip position.
3. Traverse unit positioning.
4. Pickup automatic centering.
5. Test measure.
6. Positioning to the start measure point.
7. Numerical indicators of the pickup tip and traverse unit positions.

Profilometry

The profilometry measure results screen is displayed automatically at the end

of each measure or after a measure has been loaded from the archive or from
the database. If the results of a measure have already been loaded in memory
and you are on a different screen, it is possible to go back anytime to the
measure results screen by clicking on the physical

button .
 Profilometry measure results screen.

1. Profile view area.

2. Selection of the profile scrolling mode by dragging.

3. Selection of the profile zoom mode.

4. Selection of the profile overview mode.

5. Deletion of a selected entity.

6. Activation of an additional icons list for undo and restore operations

management .

7. Activation of an additional icons list for save, export and print operations
management.

8. Activation of an additional icons list used for inserting on the profile different
entities of type point.

9. Activation of an additional icons list used for inserting on the profile different
entities of type line.

10. Activation of an additional icons list used for inserting on the profile different
entities of type arc.

11. Activation of an additional icons list used for inserting on the profile different
entities of type dimension.

12. Activation of an additional icons list for managing some extra functions.

The operations that it is possible to perform on a single entity are the following:

1. Insertion: click on a point on the profile where you want to insert the entity.

2. Selection: click on any point of the area belonging to the entity to be selected,
the related modification points will be displayed. If on the selected point two or more
overlapping entities are present, a list with all the entities present in that point is
displayed, select the desired entity by clicking on the corresponding one.

3. Movement of the modification points: click on an entity modification point then

drag in the desired direction
Safety

You are only allowed in the laboratory when there is a ‘responsible person’
present such as a demonstrator or the Laboratory Staff. Most aspects of safety in the
lab are a matter of common sense and good housekeeping (i.e. being tidy):

 Do not stray significantly from the experimental procedure you have been given,
without thinking through the consequences. If you do need to deviate from the
manual, discuss with a demonstrator first.
 Keep the lab tidy—clear up after yourself and ensure that bags and coats do not
impede on walkways.
 Keep cables and other trailing leads out of walkways and in a tidy manner.
 All electrical equipment is checked annually by the Department to make sure it is
electrically safe—however you must check all electrical equipment before you
use it in case it has been damaged between the annual checks. If you find any
damage, inform a demonstrator and do not use the equipment.
 Do not attempt to fix any equipment—if it is not working or is damaged, inform a
demonstrator.
 Never switch off the mains using the master switches mounted on the walls: a
temporary power break can do enormous damage to the equipment and to the
computers.
 It is important that you make a point of reading the “Risk Assessment” sheet
issued with each experiment before you start work on the experiment. This will
detail specific control measure you need to take and what to do if there is an
emergency situation.
 There must be NO eating, drinking or using of personal headphones in the
laboratory.
 A well thought out and planned experiment will not only yield good results but
also ensure you and your classmates are kept safe.