An accelerometer is a special device that is used in measuring and recording of proper acceleration. Proper acceleration is different from the normal acceleration whereby velocity and distance traveled is involved. This is because the proper type of acceleration is the one which is experienced by objects moving freely in space or due to inertial forces. We can compare a static observer with an object whose acceleration is being determined by the device.

For proper acceleration to be determined, the object must have some weight or mass. Determination of acceleration using this device relates to objects that fall freely due to gravitational pull towards the earth\’s center. For any object on a free-fall, accelerometer reads zero simply because in space a body is weightless. It is true that the body has an increasing velocity during the free-fall but the reflection on this device is zero acceleration.

This device is meant to measure weight per unit mass of an object. Although these devices are the best in detecting the rate of acceleration, some of them do not display the results and instead they supply the information into other devices so that it can be readable. Technological advancement has resulted to accelerometers which can detect the acceleration rate and display the results just within the device.

These devices have got some calibrations which indicate the amount of response of the acceleration. They are calibrated up to a certain level in that they are unable to detect responses beyond the calibration. The accelerations are measured in gravitational force and it is true that when the device is at rest, it will read 1g upwards.

Accelerometer behaves the same as a mass placed on a spring balance. After the acceleration is experienced, the displacement of the mass is up to a point that the spring is able to accelerate the mass with the same rate. In order to give the rate of acceleration, the displacement is measured and this gives the exact rate.

Different models of accelerometers have been developed. The common ones are the single and multiple-axis models. These two models are made in such a way that they can detect magnitude and the direction of proper acceleration. We also have micro-machined accelerometers commonly found with the electronic devices that are portable.

Accelerometers are used in various places to measure acceleration. They are used by engineers in measuring vehicle acceleration. They are also widely used for measuring vibration on cars and other machines. Inclination and machine vibration also comprise of accelerometer application.

In biology, these devices are very useful. Scientists use them to measure the overall dynamic body acceleration in various animals especially the wild animals. Since some acceleration signals may be low and thus they are connected to amplifiers in order to amplify the signals. The limb-stroke frequency in the wild animals can also be determined using this kind device.

Accelerometer is also useful in many industries. It is useful in the determination of machinery health especially those with rotating parts such as cooling towers. It is very useful in the rotating equipment within an industry.

Accelerometer has got medical applications whereby specialists try to measure the CPR chest complications associated with runners. This device has got unlimited applications and that is why it is needed in almost every field.

Author Bio: Choose from an expansive selection of state-of-the-art scientific technologies including the linear position sensor, data acquisition, load cells, and accelerometer These specialized tools are very popular among the research industries.

Category: Computers and Technology
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