Publications
Verification of high frequency shock acceleration measurements for model validation
Techniques to ensure shock data quality and to recognize bad data are discussed in this paper. For certain shock environments, acceleration response up to ten kHz is desired for structural model validation purposes. The validity and uncertainty associated with the experimental data need to be known in order to use it effectively in model validation. In some cases the frequency content of impulsive or pyrotechnic loading or metal to metal contact of joints in the structure may excite accelerometer resonances at hundreds of kHz. The piezoresistive accelerometers often used to measure such events can provide unreliable data depending on the level and frequency content of the shock. The filtered acceleration time history may not reveal that the data are unreliable. Some data validity considerations include accelerometer mounting systems, sampling rates, band-edge settings, peak acceleration specifications, signal conditioning bandwidth, accelerometer mounted resonance and signal processing checks. One approach for uncertainty quantification of the sensors, signal conditioning and data acquisition system is also explained.