Vibration analysis of mechanical structures over the internet integrated into engineering education

Abstract

Experimental vibration analysis is one of the most important tools for analyzing dynamic properties of mechanical structures. The information from experimental vibration analysis is used in the development of products to obtain a required dynamic behavior, or for instance classify vibration problems in different public, industrial environments etc. In order to carry out such experiments with high quality, knowledge about different analysis methods is of great importance. Also a large experimental experience is required to obtain reliable results as in any field. In engineering education experiment using real mechanical structures and equipment is of significance for the learning process. In traditional university laboratories students conduct experiments under the supervision of an instructor. However, a trend towards decreasing investments to maintain these laboratories can be seen all over the world and instead an increase of simulations or theoretical experiments is replacing these hands on experiments due to cost. Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH), Sweden provide the opportunity for engineering students to remotely access the practical and theoretical knowledge advancement in experimental vibration analysis that is highly attractive for the industry. Remote laboratory exercises are to day a reality at BTH and are a complement to on-campus laboratory experiments, increasing the availability of the instruments. Previously vibration experiments have been conducted over the Internet at BTH, using experimental hardware located in a small closed laboratory. A further step towards a more user-friendly interface has been developed, increasing the feeling of being in front of a real instrument instead of a virtual front panel. This paper presents a new remote vibration laboratory and how remote experimental vibration analysis has been integrated in the engineering education as a complement to ordinary lessons and experiments in traditional laboratories. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2006.