Accelerometer Care 3

This is the first in a series of three articles about care of and the mounting of accelerometers, this first article deals with glue mounted accelerometers, later articles will deal with stud and magnet mounted accelerometers.

Glue Mounting

Accelerometers measure shock and vibration by providing an output signal proportional to the object to which they are attached. The stiffer the mounting, the higher the natural frequency of the mounted accelerometer, will be.

Magnetic mounting of accelerometers provides the least stiffness, while screw or stud mounting provides the greatest stiffness.

It is not always practical to drill holes into the structure or the design of the accelerometer does not allow for screw/stud mounting, so adhesive solutions are the only way forward.

For best performance, Calibration, Maintenance and Repair Ltd suggests using cyanoacrylate adhesives — a generic name for methyl- 2-cyanoacrylate, which can be purchased under such trademarks as Super Glue, Loctite® or Krazy Glue®. Another form, 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (trade name Dermabond®), has many medical uses and causes less irritation to one's skin than methyl-2-cyanoacrylate. Cyanoacrylate sets in less than 60 seconds, with full strength reached in two hours. For temporary installation hot glue or bees wax can be used, but these are not recommended for use above 1kHz.

Below are some critical guidelines to consider when evaluating your accelerometer installations:

Ensure mounting surfaces are clean and free from any residue epoxies, waxes, paint or other foreign materials. The mounting surface should be flat, even and free of burrs. Use Acetone or de-bonder to soften hardened cyanoacrylate to facilitate accelerometer removal. Use a razor blade or scape to remove the accelerometer after softening the cyanoacrylate. Do not pry the accelerometer loose with a screw driver or hit with a hammer! Cyanoacrylate is suitable for temperatures between -55 to 250ºC, so would cover most applications. Use the thinnest layer of cyanoacrylate that is possible for the best frequency response, slightly wetting both surfaces, improves the bond and speeds up the setting time. Exposure to airborne moisture will cause cyanoacrylate to set. Store it in an airtight container with a packet of slice gel, or place the container in a fridge. Prolonged inhalation of cyanoacrylate vapours can be harmful and always avoid contact with your skin. Never fill the accelerometer or microdot connector with glue. Avoid filling the stud mounting hole with glue.

Published on 14-Sep-2016 10:32 with

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