Midwest Dynamics PLC_____________________________________________
Short Courses in Engineering Measurements and Data Acquisition
June 16-17 and June 20-21, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Sensors, Instrumentation, and Digital Data Acquisition
June 16-17, 2016
Course Content: Day 1
Transducers and Sensors
Concepts and Definitions
Accuracy, Precision, Resolution
Interpreting Specifications in Detail
Natural Frequency vs. Frequency Response
Discussion and Demonstration of Transducers
Transducer Application Guidance
Compare Piezoelectric and Strain Gage Load Cells
In-Depth Discussion of Accelerometers
Effect of Accelerometer Mounting Method on Frequency Response
Instrumentation
Signal Conditioning
Performance and Specifications
Frequency Response and Phase Shifts
In Class Characterization of a Strain Gage Amplifier
Using and Configuring Slip Rings
Telemetry Considerations
Data Acquisition System Architecture
Digital Resolution
Course Content: Day 2
Digital Data Acquisition and Analysis
Signal Types Commonly Encountered in Practice
Time Domain vs. Frequency Domain
FFT, Leakage, Windows, FRF
Application of Filters to Signal Analysis
Live Characterization of Analog Low Pass Filter
Integration and Differentiation of Data
Determining the Correct Sample Rate
Aliasing in Detail and How to Prevent It
Data Validation Techniques
Data Acquisition in the Field
Challenges to Recording Data in the Field
Test Planning and Preparation
Capturing the Duty Cycle
Customer to Test Correlation
Portable Equipment
Installing Instrumentation
Tips for Collecting Field Data
Validating Data in the Field
Fundamental to this course is the use of live equipment and demonstrations to illustrate and reinforce the
concepts. Sensors and signal conditioning will be demonstrated and evaluated using a data acquisition
system, function generator, oscilloscope, and analysis software. Signal processing techniques—such as
integration, differentiation, and frequency response function concepts—will be investigated “live” using an
instrumented cantilever beam and associated instrumentation and software.
Strain Gage Measurements and Custom Load Transducer Development
June 20-21, 2016
Course Content: Day 1
Strain Gage Measurements
Strain Gage Physics
The Wheatstone Bridge
Bridge Output Calculations
Shunt Calibration
Thermal Effects
Understanding and Preventing Lead Wire Errors
Strain Gage Selection and Installation Tips
Strain Gages for Stress Analysis vs. Transducers
Wiring and Soldering
Excitation Voltage Optimization
Calibration Errors Due to Lead Wires
How Rosettes Determine Mohr’s Circle
Calculation of Multiaxial Stresses from Measured Strains
Course Content: Day 2
Build Custom Strain Gage Based Load Transducers
Primary Load Cases for Transducers
Strain Gage Bridge Configurations
Calculation of Bridge Output from Stresses
Selection of Materials
Transducer Fabrication Techniques
Environmental Protection
Thermal Output and Correction
Calibration Methods
Calibration Fixtures
Crosstalk Corrections
Matrix Transducers
The Strain Gage Measurements and Custom Load Transducer Development course features a
comprehensive set of hands-on activities using a strain gage amplifier and Wheatstone bridge setup
provided for each pair of students. Thermal effects, lead wire desensitization, shunt calibrations,
transducer bridge wiring, and a load cell calibration exercise are among the activities utilizing the
instrumentation. In addition, multiaxial stresses in cantilever beams will be determined using strain gage
rosettes, and a crosstalk prone 3-D transducer will be calibrated and demonstrated using inverted matrix
techniques. www.mwdynamics.com/#!class-workshops-and-demos/c1335
REGISTRATION
Please complete the form below and return it to Midwest Dynamics via US mail, email to
training@mwdynamics.com or fax to 515-253-8702. Please call 864-704-0242 for more information.
Registration Deadline is June 7, 2016
Each class is limited to 10 participants
Name _____________________________________________Title_______________________________________
Company _____________________________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________________________
Phone _______________________________________ Email ___________________________________________
Please indicate course preference:
☐ Sensors, Instrumentation, and Digital Data Acquisition
June 16-17, 2016
☐ Strain Gage Measurements and Custom Load Transducer Development
June 20-21, 2016
Course Location
Müller-BBM VibroAkustik Systeme, Inc.
3891 Ranchero Drive, Suite 30, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
(Class Schedule is 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Each Day)
Müller-BBM VibroAkustik Systeme, Inc. is a leading supplier of high-performance multi-channel data acquisition and
analysis tools for all acoustic and vibration applications. Please visit www.pakbymbbm.com for more info.
Payment
Cost of each 2 day class is $1150 (Register for both classes for $1750)
(Fee includes course notebook, lunches, and refreshments)
Please indicate payment type:
☐ Check or Purchase Order
☐ VISA
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☐ MasterCard
☐ American Express
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Name on Card: _______________________________________________________
Exp. Date:
Please do not email credit card info. Use Fax or USPS
Mailing Address: Midwest Dynamics PLC, PO Box 187, Grimes, IA 50111
phone: 864-704-0242
email: training@mwdynamics.com
website: www.mwdynamics.com
Cancellations: If you cannot attend the course, you may send a substitute or transfer attendance to a future course. A full refund
is given if you notify Midwest Dynamics at least 10 days prior to the course start date. If canceled less than 10 days prior, the full fee
is charged. To cancel, call Midwest Dynamics at 864-704-0242.
Note: Midwest Dynamics reserves the right cancel courses and cannot be held responsible for costs incurred other than refund of
the registration fee.
About the Instructor
Michael Messman, P.E., has 30 years of engineering experience in testing, teaching,
and product development. His experience includes 21 years of major OEM
measurement and test engineering experience divided equally between the General
Motors Proving Ground and the John Deere Technical Center. He has an additional
8 years of experience as a Research Engineer at the Clemson University
International Center for Automotive Research, and is a registered Professional
Engineer in the State of Iowa. Active in SAE, he is currently the chairman of an SAE
task force on Tire Testing for Tire Model Parameter Identification, and has previously
served as the chairman of the Fatigue Life Prediction Division of the SAE Fatigue
Design and Evaluation Committee. Mike has developed and implemented several
successful wheel force transducer designs for both on-road and off-road vehicles,
managed an instrumentation group, and developed tire testing and terrain
measurement techniques in support of CAE loads predictions. While at Clemson, he
developed and taught a graduate level university course in vehicle testing and assisted with other courses through
teaching labs and equipment demonstrations. He has also taught in-house corporate continuing education courses in
the areas of measurements and fatigue analysis. Mike has spent a significant amount of time in the field and on
proving grounds collecting engineering data on vehicles and machinery.
Philosophy of the Courses
You know the importance of engineering test data in the product development process. Valid data is essential.
Errors in measurements can be costly and lead to design errors, program delays, wasted time and materials, even
recalls and litigation. Midwest Dynamics understands the importance of making sure your data is valid and properly
analyzed. To that end, we offer comprehensive training in measurement engineering, data acquisition, and signal
processing.
These courses thoroughly cover the entire measurement process from understanding and selecting sensors, to
setting up data acquisition systems, to collecting data in the field, and analyzing the data in the office. You will also
receive in-depth training in strain gages and will be taught how to design, build, and calibrate your own custom strain
gage force transducers from the actual components of your vehicles and machines.
With many years of experience and expertise in the areas of durability, fatigue, in-field data acquisition, wheel force
transducer design, laboratory testing, and CAE correlation, we know how data is used throughout the product
development process and offer custom tailored training to serve your measurement engineering needs.
Given today’s highly automated “turn-key” data acquisition and analysis systems, it is tempting to blindly rely on
modern technology to give you the answers, but we would argue that with increased automation, it is more important
than ever to know what is going on behind that complex software interface. You need to understand how your
system is operating and how those software settings affect your data. We teach you to think critically about
engineering measurements and emphasize those timeless fundamentals that are crucial to the successful utilization
of any transducer or data acquisition system.
Midwest Dynamics also offers customized training delivered to your facility. Please visit
www.mwdynamics.com to learn more and to contact us about this training option.