accelerometer (ත්වරණමාන)

An accelerometer is an apparatus designed for measuring acceleration or deceleration, representing the rate of change in the velocity of a moving object. There are two main types of accelerometers: mechanical and electromechanical.

1. Mechanical Accelerometers:
   • Construction: These accelerometers typically consist of a spring-supported mass with a damper system.
   • Operation: The acceleration is indicated on a scale, where a light beam reflects from a mirror attached to the mass.
   • Measurement: Mechanical accelerometers provide a measurement of acceleration by observing the movement of the mass.
2. Electromechanical Accelerometers:
   • These accelerometers utilize various electrical principles to measure acceleration.
   • Several types of electromechanical accelerometers include:
     • Slide Wire: Uses a slide wire mechanism to measure acceleration.
     • Strain Gauge: Utilizes strain gauges to gauge the deformation caused by acceleration.
     • Variable Inductance: Measures changes in inductance induced by acceleration.
     • Piezoelectric Device: Relies on piezoelectric materials to generate electric effects in response to acceleration.

Accelerometers find applications in various fields:

• Transportation: Used to measure the efficiency of braking systems in road and rail vehicles.
• Aerospace: Deployed in aircraft and spacecraft to determine accelerations in multiple directions simultaneously.
• Industrial Machinery: Utilized for detecting vibrations in machinery, providing insights into equipment health and performance.

These devices play a crucial role in monitoring and assessing the dynamics of moving objects, contributing to safety, efficiency, and performance evaluations in different domains.