The overall objective of the award is to purchase a Polytec PSV-200 Scanning Laser Vibrometer (SLV) and to 1) integrate it into existing research setups of the investigators, 2) strengthen new collaborative research between the PIs, and with other researchers, 3) integrate it into selected undergraduate and graduate courses in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University, and 4) make the equipment available to other researchers at the University. An SLV measures velocities of a vibrating surface by measuring the change in frequency of a laser beam reflected from the moving surface. Physically different from the electro-mechanical principles of accelerometers, the SLV offers non-contact measurements, a finer velocity resolution, a wider operating dynamic range, and higher linearity in a fully automated scanning package with ultra-high optical sensitivity.
