Measurement System Engineering Short Course at Texas Christian University

The 3-day MSE program, provided through the Extended Education and Engineering Departments of Texas Christian University, is designed to be presented on-site at the customer’s facility. It is the only one of its type sponsored by a major university. The on-site presentation ensures that questions directed to the instructor and resultant information exchange among the participants are directly focused at the customer’s business area thus optimizing return on investment. 2.4 CEUs and certificates of completion are awarded by the University to all program participants. Dr. Patrick Walter is the course instructor.

Measurement System Engineering Topical List 3-day Program

1. Lecture #1: Program Introduction
• Measurements for test vs. control
• Impedance considerations: electrical, thermal, mechanical
• Differences between the design, analysis and measurement problems

2. Lecture #2: Introduction to Structural Dynamics
• Structural Testing
1) Structural dynamics measurement considerations
2) Correlation of test data with analysis

3. Lecture #3: Measurement System Requirements: Linearity, Flat Amplitude Response, Linear Phase Response
• Basic guidelines for all measurement system design
1) Case studies

4. Lecture #4: Dynamic Transducer Models
• Dynamic models for thermal, strain, acceleration, displacement, pressure, transducers

5. Lecture #5: Signal Types and Acquisition
• System requirements for measuring deterministic vs. random data
• Data sampling and aliasing

6. Lecture #6: Data Filtering
• Terminology
• Differentiators/integrators
• Detailed analog filter selection criteria

7. Lecture #7: Dynamic Force, Pressure, and Acceleration Measurements:
• Transducer physics, cables, signal conditioning, calibration
• End-to-end measurement system calibration

8. Lecture #8: Validating Time-varying Transducer Signals: Help for the Analyst
• “Rules of thumb” for assessing data
• Data validation
1) Noise checks/documentation
2) Application examples

9. Lecture #9: Analyzing and Using Shock and Vibration Data
• Examples of how the acquired data impact design
• Measurement system requirements

10. Lecture #10: Measurement System Design: Dynamic Force, Pressure, and Acceleration
• Interfacing transducers to the test environment
• Cable handling
• Application examples

11. Lecture 11: Thermocouples
• Circuits
• Response rates
• Junction effects applicable to all measurement system design

12. Lecture 12: Bridge Transducers
• Strain gage technology
• Specific circuits and analysis
• RTDs

13. Specifically Prepared Video Demonstrates Summarizes Course Teachings

14. Lecture #13: Wrap Up: A Checklist, The Future (i.e., Smart Transducers, Wireless Transmission, and More)
• An itemized checklist for the successful measurement of structural, thermal, and other measurands
• A futuristic view of measurement systems