Testing of Impact Sensor-Verify G-Force Readings

[WRB]

Testing of Impact Sensor--Verify G-Force Readings

I'm thinking either free fall test or pendulum
but I was just curious if anyone could suggest an easier method

We are looking for a way to test a newly developed impact sensor and verify that we when it says it has been hit with 5 g's for example that it actually was.
What would the most straightforward way to accuratly create a predictable known G impact?
With freefall our shop has no accurate way to measure impact time and Pendulum seems to be a test for fracture strength.

Any help or advice is appreciated

 

[FredGarvin]

Does it have to be an impact? If your device can register a constant acceleration, the easiest thing to do would be to put in a rotating test frame, at the end of an arm. Rotate the arm at an angular velocity that would produce a centrifugal acceleration equivalent to 5 gs.

 

[WRB]

Rotating it sounds like a good idea!
We are going to go that route...any tips on setting up a device or the calculations?

Thanks

 

[WRB]

I don't have my good physics book here, but I've been doing some research online and seems like the formula everyone uses is RCF=1.12r(rpm/1000)^2 (r is radius in mm)
this would tell me what radius and and what rpm to use...or is this wrong since it dosent take angular velocity or arm/sensor weight into account?

Thanks

 

[TVP45]

Twas it mine, I'd get out a Bruel and Kjaer catalogue. The equipment is probably rentable.

Then, most cities have decent calibration labs, NIST traceable, that could do this.

Or, if this is completely homebrew, buy a high frequency accelerometer.