1. MENG203 Lecture Notes Prepared by: Assist. Prof. Dr. Mohammed. Asmael
Eastern Mediterranean University Faculty of Engineering Department of Mechanical Engineering
MENG203 Lecture Notes
Prepared by:
Assist. Prof. Dr. Mohammed. Asmael

2. Chapter 2: Basic Concepts

3. 2.1 Introduction
In this chapter we seek to explain some of the terminology used in experimental methods and to show the generalized arrangement of an experimental system.
We shall also discuss briefly the standards which are available and the importance of calibration in any experimental measurement.
Definition of certain terms is given here.

4. Readability of an instrument.
2.2 Definition of Terms
Readability of an instrument.
This term indicates the closeness with which the scale of the instrument may be read; an instrument with a 12-in scale would have a higher readability than an instrument with a 6-in scale and the same range
The least count
is the smallest difference between two indications that can be detected on the instrument scale.
The sensitivity of an instrument
is the ratio of the linear movement of the pointer on an analog instrument to the change in the measured variable causing this motion. (or the ability of a measuring device to detect small differences in a quantity)
For example, a 1-mV recorder might have a 25-cm scale length. Its sensitivity would be 25 cm/mV, assuming that the measurement was linear all across the scale.

5. Accuracy of an instrument
2.2 Definition of Terms
Hysteresis
when there is a difference in readings depending on whether the value of the measured quantity is approached from above or below.
Hysteresis may be the result of mechanical friction, magnetic effects, elastic deformation, or thermal effects.
Accuracy of an instrument
accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to the true value.
indicates the deviation of the reading from a known input.
Accuracy is frequently expressed as a percentage of full-scale reading,
so that a 100-kPa pressure gage having an accuracy of 1 percent would be accurate within ±1 kPa over the entire range of the gage.
Precision is how consistent results are when measurements are repeated.
The precision of an instrument indicates its ability to reproduce a certain reading with a given accuracy.

6. Distinction between precision and accuracy,
2.2 Definition of Terms
Distinction between precision and accuracy,
consider the measurement of a known voltage of 100 volts (V) with a certain meter.
Four readings are taken, and the indicated values are 104, 103, 105, and 105 V.
instrument could not be depended on for an accuracy of better than 5 percent (5 V),
while a precision of ±1 percent is indicated since the maximum deviation from the mean reading of 104 V is only 1 V.
It may be noted that the instrument could be calibrated so that it could be used dependably to measure voltages within ±1 V.
Accuracy can be improved up to but not beyond the precision of the instrument by calibration.

7. Accuracy and Precision
2.2 Definition of Terms
Accuracy and Precision
Precise but not accurate
Accurate and precise

8. 2.3 Calibration
The calibration affords the opportunity to check the instrument against a known standard and subsequently to reduce errors in accuracy.
Calibration procedures involve a comparison of the particular instrument with either
(1) a primary standard,
(2) a secondary standard with a higher accuracy than the instrument to be calibrated, or
(3) a known input source.

9. For example, a flowmeter might be calibrated by:
2.3 Calibration
For example, a flowmeter might be calibrated by:
(1) comparing it with a standard flow-measurement facility of the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST),
(2) comparing it with another flowmeter of known accuracy, or
(3) directly calibrating with a primary measurement such as weighing a certain amount of water in a tank and recording the time elapsed for this quantity to flow through the meter.

10. 2.4 Standards
In order to compare the results of experiments on a consistent basis, it is necessary to establish certain standard units of length, weight, time, temperature, and electrical quantities.
NIST has the primary responsibility for maintaining these standards in the United States.
The meter and the kilogram are considered fundamental units
At one time, the standard meter was defined as the length of a platinum-iridium bar maintained at very accurate conditions at the International Bureau of Weights and Measures in Sevres, France.
Similarly, the kilogram was defined in terms of a platinum-iridium mass maintained at this same bureau.

11. 2.4 Standards
The conversion factors for the English and metric systems in the United States are fixed by law as
1 meter = inches
1 pound-mass = grams
1 inch = 2.54 centimeters
In 1983 the definition of the meter was changed to the distance light travels in 1/299,792,458ths of a second.

12. 2.4 Standards
Standard units of time are established in terms of known frequencies of oscillation of certain devices.
The fundamental unit of time, the second(s), has been defined in the past as 1/86400 of a mean solar day.
The solar day is measured as the time interval between two successive transits of the sun across a meridian of the earth.
The time interval varies with location of the earth and time of year; however, the mean solar day for one year is constant.
The solar year is the time required for the earth to make one revolution around the sun.
The mean solar year is 365 days 5 h 48 min 48 s.

13. 2.4 Standards
An absolute temperature scale was proposed by Lord Kelvin in 1854 and forms the basis for thermodynamic calculations.
This absolute scale is so defined that particular meaning is given to the second law of thermodynamics when this temperature scale is used.
The International Practical Temperature Scale of 1968 generated an experimental basis for a temperature scale
In the international scale 11 primary points are established as shown in Table

14. 2.4 Standards
Primary points for the International Practical Temperature Scale of 1968

15. Secondary fixed points are also established
2.4 Standards
Secondary fixed points are also established

16. 2.4 Standards
Both the Fahrenheit (◦F) and Celsius (◦C) temperature scales are in wide use
The experimentalist must be able to work in either
The absolute Fahrenheit scale is called the Rankine (◦R) scale, while absolute Celsius has been designated the Kelvin
(K) scale. The relationship between these scales is as follows:
K = ◦C
◦R = ◦F
◦F = 9/5*◦C

17. 2.5 Dimensions and Units
An experimentalist must be familiar with the units which appear on the gages and readout equipment.
The main difficulties arise in mechanical and thermal units (not standardized completely yet)
electrical units have been standardized for some time.
It is hoped that the SI (Systeme International d’Unites) set of units will eventually prevail
Although the SI system is preferred, one must recognize that the English system is still very popular.

18. 2.5 Dimensions and Units
One must be careful not to confuse the meaning of the term “units” and “dimensions.”
A dimension is a physical variable used to specify the behavior or nature of a particular system. For example:
the length of a rod is a dimension of the rod.
the temperature of a gas may be considered one of the thermodynamic dimensions of the gas.
When we say the rod is so many meters long, or the gas has a temperature of so many degrees Celsius, we have given the units with which we choose to measure the dimension.

19. We shall use the dimensions:
2.5 Dimensions and Units
We shall use the dimensions:
L = length
M = mass
F = force
τ = time
T = temperature
All the physical quantities used may be expressed in terms of these fundamental dimensions.
The units to be used for certain dimensions are selected by arbitrary definitions which usually relate to a physical phenomenon or law.

20. 2.5 Dimensions and Units
For example, Newton’s second law of motion may be written
Force ∼ time rate of change of momentum
where k is the proportionality constant.
If the mass is constant
where the acceleration is 
Previous equation may also be written
Where

21. Some typical systems of units are:
2.5 Dimensions and Units
 is used to define our systems of units for mass, force, length, and time.
Some typical systems of units are:
1) 1 pound-force will accelerate 1 pound-mass feet per second squared.
2) 1 pound-force will accelerate 1 slug-mass 1 foot per second squared.
3) 1 dyne-force will accelerate 1 gram-mass 1 centimeter per second squared.
4) 1 newton (N) force will accelerate 1 kilogram-mass 1 meter per second squared.
5) 1 kilogram-force will accelerate 1 kilogram-mass meter per second squared.

22.  must be dimensionally homogeneous
2.5 Dimensions and Units
 must be dimensionally homogeneous
we shall have a different value of the constant gc for each of the unit systems in items 1 to 5 above.
These values are:
1) gc = lbm · ft/lbf · s2
2) gc = 1 slug · ft/lbf · s2
3) gc = 1 g · cm/dyn · s2
4) gc = 1 kg · m/N · s2
5) gc = kgm · m/kgf · s2
It does not matter which system of units is used so long as it is consistent with the above definitions.

23. Work has the dimensions of a product of force times a distance.
2.5 Dimensions and Units
Work has the dimensions of a product of force times a distance.
Energy has the same dimensions.
Thus the units for work and energy may be chosen from any of the systems used above as:
1) lbf · ft
2) lbf · ft
3) dyn · cm = 1 erg
4) N · m = 1 joule (J)
5) kgf · m = J

24. We may use the units of energy which are based on thermal phenomena:
2.5 Dimensions and Units
We may use the units of energy which are based on thermal phenomena:
1 British thermal unit (Btu) will raise 1 pound-mass of water 1 degree Fahrenheit at 68◦F.
1 calorie (cal) will raise 1 gram of water 1 degree Celsius at 20◦C.
1 kilocalorie will raise 1 kilogram of water 1 degree Celsius at 20◦C.
The conversion factors for the various units of work and energy are:
1 Btu= lbf · ft
1 Btu=1055 J
1 kcal=4182 J
1 lbf · ft=1.356 J
1 Btu=252 cal

25. Additional conversion factors
2.5 Dimensions and Units
Additional conversion factors

26. Additional conversion factors
2.5 Dimensions and Units
Additional conversion factors

27. 2.5 Dimensions and Units
Unfortunately, all the above unit systems are used in various places throughout the world.
the foot-pound force, pound-mass, second, degree Fahrenheit, Btu system is still widely used in the United States.
IN SI system the fundamental units are: meter, newton, kilogram-mass, second, and degree Celsius; a “thermal” energy unit is not used; that is, the joule (N · m) becomes the energy unit used throughout.
The watt (J/s) is the unit of power in this system.

28. 2.5 Dimensions and Units
In SI the concept of gc is not normally used, and the newton is defined as:
1 newton ≡ 1 kilogram-meter per second squared
Even so, one should keep in mind the physical relation between force and mass as expressed by Newton’s second law of motion.
Despite the wide use of SI units, the fact is that a large number of engineering practitioners still use English units and will continue to do so for some time to come.

29. Below table lists the basic and supplementary SI units.
2.5 Dimensions and Units
Below table lists the basic and supplementary SI units.

30. List of derived SI units for various physical quantities.
2.5 Dimensions and Units
List of derived SI units for various physical quantities.

31. 2.5 Dimensions and Units
The SI system also specifies standard multiplier prefixes, as shown in below table
For example, 1 atm pressure is ×105 N/m2 (Pa), which could be written 1 atm = MN/m2 (MPa).

32. 2.6 The Generalized Measurement System
Most measurement systems may be divided into three parts:
1. A detector-transducer stage
detects the physical variable and performs either a mechanical or an electrical transformation to convert the signal into a more usable form.
a transducer is a device that transforms one physical effect into another.
In most cases, the physical variable is transformed into an electric signal (can be easily measured)
2. Some intermediate stage
modifies the direct signal by amplification, filtering, or other means so that a desirable output is available.
3. A final or terminating stage
acts to indicate, record, or control the variable being measured.

33. 2.6 The Generalized Measurement System
Consider the measurement of a low voltage signal at a low frequency.
The detector in this case may be just two wires and possibly a resistance arrangement, which are attached to appropriate terminals.
It may be necessary to perform some amplification (stage 2 designated above).
The final stage of the measurement system may be either a voltmeter or a recorder that operates in the range of the output voltage of the amplifier.
In actuality, an electronic voltmeter is a measurement system like the one described here.
The amplifier and the readout voltmeter are contained in one package, and various switches enable the user to change the range of the instrument by varying the input conditions to the amplifier.

34. 2.6 The Generalized Measurement System
Bourdon-tube pressure gage offers a mechanical example of the generalized measurement system.
bourdon tube  detector-transducer stage
converts pressure signal into a mechanical displacement of the tube.
gearing arrangement intermediate stage
amplifies the displacement of the end of the tube so that a relatively small displacement at that point produces as much as three-quarters of a revolution of the center gear.
pointer and the dial arrangement final indicator stage
Gives indication of pressure signal impressed on the bourdon tube.

35. 2.6 The Generalized Measurement System
A schematic diagram of the generalized measurement system

36. 2.6 The Generalized Measurement System
When a control device is used for the final measurement stage, it is necessary to apply some feedback signal to the input signal to accomplish the control objectives.
The control stage compares the signal representing the measured variable with some other signal in the same form representing the assigned value the measured variable should have.
The assigned value is given by a predetermined setting of the controller.
If the measured signal agrees with the predetermined setting, then the controller does nothing.
If the signals do not agree, the controller issues a signal to a device which acts to alter the value of the measured variable.
This device can be many things, depending on the variable which is to be controlled.

37. 2.6 The Generalized Measurement System
If the measured variable is the flow rate of a fluid, the control device might be a motorized valve placed in the flow system.
If the measured flow rate is too high, then the controller would cause the motorized valve to close, thereby reducing the flow rate.
If the flow rate were too low, the valve would be opened.
Eventually the operation would cease when the desired flow rate was achieved.
It is very important to realize that the accuracy of control cannot be any better than the accuracy of the measurement of the control variable.
Therefore, one must be able to measure a physical variable accurately before one can hope to control the variable.

38. 2.12 Experimental planning
The key to success in experimental work is to ask continually:
What am I looking for?
Why am I measuring this?
Does the measurement really answer any of my questions?
What does the measurement tell me?
These questions should be asked frequently throughout the progress of any experimental program.

39. 2.12 Experimental planning
Some particular questions that should be asked in the initial phases of experiment planning are:
1. What primary variables shall be investigated?
2. What control must be exerted on the experiment?
3. What ranges of the primary variables will be necessary to describe the phenomena under study?
4. How many data points should be taken in the various ranges of operation to ensure good sampling of data considering instrument accuracy and other factors?
5. What instrument accuracy is required for each measurement?
6. If a dynamic measurement is involved, what frequency response must the instruments have?

40. 2.12 Experimental planning
Some particular questions that should be asked in the initial phases of experiment planning are:
7. Are the instruments available commercially, or must they be constructed especially for the particular experiment?
8. What safety precautions are necessary if some kind of hazardous operation is involved in the experiment?
9. What financial resources are available to perform the experiment, and how do the various instrument requirements fit into the proposed budget?
10. What provisions have been made for recording the data?
11. What provisions have been made for either on-line or subsequent computer reduction of data?
12. If the data reduction is not of a “research” nature where manipulation and calculations depend somewhat on the results of measurements, what provisions are made to have direct output of a data acquisition system available for the final report?

41. 2.12 Experimental planning
The importance of control in any experiment should always be recognized.
The physical principle, apparatus, or device under investigation will dictate the variables which must be controlled carefully.
For example, a heat-transfer test of a particular apparatus might involve some heat loss to the surrounding air in the laboratory where the test equipment is located.
Consequently, it would be wise to maintain (control) the surrounding temperature at a reasonably constant value.
If one run is made with the room temperature at 90◦C and another at 10◦C, large unwanted effects may occur in the measurements.

42. 2.12 Experimental planning
Generalized experimental procedure

43. 2.12 Experimental planning
Items 3b and d in the table note the need to perform preliminary analyses of experimental uncertainties in order to effect a proper selection of instruments and to design the apparatus to meet the overall goals of the experiment.
These items are worthy of further amplification.
Certain variables we wish to measure are set by the particular experimental objectives,
However there may be several choices open in the method we use to measure these variables

44. 2.12 Experimental planning
A flow measurement might be performed by sensing the pressure drop across an obstruction meter,
or possibly by counting the number of revolutions of a turbine placed in the flow (see Chap. 7).
In the first case the overall uncertainty depends on the accuracy of a measurement of pressure differential and other variables, such as flow area,
while in the second case the overall uncertainty depends on the accuracy of counting and a time determination.
The choice of the method used can be made on the basis of an uncertainty analysis, which indicates the relative accuracy of each method.

45. 2.12 Experimental planning
The point is that a careful uncertainty analysis during the experiment planning period may enable the investigator to make a better selection of instruments for the program.
Uncertainty analysis enters into the planning phase with the following approximate steps:
1. Several alternative measurement techniques are selected once the variables to be measured have been established.
2. An uncertainty analysis is performed on each measurement technique, taking into account the estimated accuracies of the instruments that will actually be used.
3. The different measurement techniques are then compared on the basis of cost, availability of instrumentation, ease of data collection, and calculated uncertainty.

46. 2.12 Experimental planning
The technique with the least uncertainty is clearly the most desirable from an experimental-accuracy standpoint, but it may be too expensive.
Frequently, however, the investigator will find the cost is not a strong factor and that the technique with the smallest uncertainty (within reason) is as easy to perform as some other less accurate method.

47. 2.12 Experimental planning
graphical pattern of preliminary stage of an experimental program

48. 2.12 Experimental planning
graphical pattern of intermediate stage of an experimental program

49. 2.12 Experimental planning
graphical pattern of final stage of an experimental program