The Mean-Projection Method for the Transverse Calibration of Accelerometers. II. Experiments

This paper follows a previous one in which the Mean-Projection Method was presented and the dynamics of a shaker with a pivoting accelerometer was carefully analysed. This method is aimed at calibrating both the relative transverse sensitivity of an accelerometer and the relative transverse motion of a shaker with standard equipment (available in laboratories not sepcialised in metrology). It is based on pivoting the accelerometer around the principal axis of the shaker. The experimental set-up is presented in accordance with the requirements that were described in the companion paper. The results obtained in a number of partial configurations confirm the hypotheses made in the theoretical analysis. It is shown that the main sources of uncertainty in the calibration of accelerometers by the Mean-Projection Method are only due to geometrical defects in the placement of the accelerometer. The results of calibration are shown to be in accordance with the specifications provided by a reference manufacturer. However, they are much more extended in frequency range and redundancy. The transverse motion of a shaker is also analysed for phase, amplitude, and direction.