Accelerometer for Impact Attenuator Testing

[benh]

Well I finally registered...

Anyway like the title states what kind of accelerometer would be suitable for impact attenuator testing...i.e. durable!

I have seen some with USB interface, it seems like those would be more user friendly. I have looked at product websites but there are so many choices.

Thanks for all your help

[benh]

Well I finally registered...

Anyway like the title states what kind of accelerometer would be suitable for impact attenuator testing...i.e. durable!

I have seen some with USB interface, it seems like those would be more user friendly. I have looked at product websites but there are so many choices.

Thanks for all your help

[Tony K]

We use piezoelectric accelerometers from either Brüel & Kjær or Kistler connected to a charge amplifier... very durable and accurate. However, we've been rather fortunate getting things like that donated due to a few key faculty contacts, so I'm not sure that's something you'd want to pay for with a FSAE budget since either one probably costs more than it does to build the entire car.

[Igor]

The adxl range sensors from Analog Devices are pretty cheap, you can get them at stores like Digikey. These are just bare sensors though, so you will need some kind of datalogger. (or borrow a digital storage scope for the ultra cheap option)

Igor