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Low-Cost Design of Vibration Inspection Equipment for Timber Beam

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Abstract

Purpose

Experimental modal analysis, a non-destructive test method, may be used to evaluate the mechanical characteristics of wood components. Equipment for data collecting and processing was a crucial element. Commercial equipment was complicated and pricey; therefore, it could not satisfy the needs of widespread use. As a result, a simple and affordable equipment design for timber vibration examination was practical and useful.

Methods

DC power, sensor current supply port, digital control amplifier, embedded microchip, and computer analysis software made up the apparatus. A function generator was used to calibrate the equipment’s sampling accuracy, which took signal frequency and voltage into account. This apparatus, which is connected to computer, impulse hammer, and accelerometer, was used to evaluate the transverse vibration of timber beams with single layer and composite layer-up. Mid-span modal tests were carried out on some single and composite beams under the condition of approximate simply supported beam. The device recorded vibration data, and estimated the modal frequency response function (FRF) to determine the fundamental frequency by Python-programmed analytical software. Using the equation for beam vibration frequency, the dynamic bending stiffness (EI) was calculated for the provided parameters, which included natural frequency, beam diameter, and weight. Four-point tests were used to calculate the specimens' static EI. Coefficients curves of dynamic and static EI were plotted.

Results

The equipment’s accuracy of AD conversion passed the beam vibration test, proving that dynamic and static EI have a positive correlation.

Conclusions

This inexpensive device can carry out non-destructive testing (NDT) assessment of wood beam EI when paired with modal tests. By providing an easy-to-use interface for measurement data access, specialized intelligent equipment utilized for structural features detection with AI models will improve this equipment.

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Availability of Data and Material

The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

This project was financially supported by China Scholarship Council (Grant Number: 201906865020) and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council through the Industrial Research Chair in Engineered Wood and Building Systems in University of Alberta. The authors would like to thank Elko Engineering Garage in University of Alberta and Alberta InnoTech.

Funding

China Scholarship Council, 201906865020, LIANG QI.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada

    Liang Qi, Lei Zhang & Ying Hei Chui

  2. Center for Analysis and Testing, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210046, China

    Liang Qi

  3. College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China

    Liang Qi & Mao Cheng Zhao

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  1. Liang Qi
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Correspondence to Ying Hei Chui.

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Qi, L., Zhang, L., Zhao, M.C. et al. Low-Cost Design of Vibration Inspection Equipment for Timber Beam. J. Vib. Eng. Technol. 12, 481–493 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42417-023-00854-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42417-023-00854-3

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