The course deals with the basic elements of the theory of measures. The main measuring instruments are presented and supplied, the basic elements for the acquisition of signals from sensors. Notions of reliability and related techniques of increase are given. The forms of voluntary product and system certification, as well as CE marking are dealt with.
The material presented in class updated to the present a.y. is particularly recommended. Furthermore
A.Ferrero, D. Petri, P.Carbone, M.Catelani "Modern Measurements: fundamentals and applications", Wiley 2015
Learning Objectives
1. The first part of the course (Elements of measurement theory) highlights the role of measurement and the measurement process in the knowledge and interpretation of physical quantities. The importance of metrological traceability and calibration is highlighted, also in relation to the accreditation of laboratories according to UNI EN 17025.
2. The second section concerns Measurement Equipment, Sensors and Automatic Measurement Systems. The main metrological characteristics of the measurement instrumentation, the analog-digital and digital-analog signal conversion systems, the automatic measurement systems are presented. The physical principle and characteristics of some "basic" sensors (accelerometers, thermocouples, etc.) are discussed, with related applications in automatic measurement systems using Labview software.
3. The third part concerns the Measures for reliability, compliance and certification. The fundamental law of reliability and the statistical parameters MTTF, MTBF, MTTR are defined. The canonical functional configurations and techniques for increasing reliability are discussed. The mandatory and voluntary certification and the related procedures with accredited bodies are presented.
Prerequisites
No particular preliminary knowledge are required.
Teaching Methods
Lectures and Moodle platform; exercises on the topics covered, including any supplementary seminars.
Further information
Dublin Descriptor - Knowledge and skills acquired
At the end of the course, the student will have acquired knowledge of the basic elements of the theory of measurements, instruments and methods of measurement, sensors mainly used in the electrical and mechanical fields, measurement techniques and metrological traceability. Further knowledge acquired will concern the basic elements of reliability, product certification and CE marking
The student will be able to express and interpret the result of a measurement, implement a simple measurement system - sensor, instrument, conversion, analysis and validation - and manage a metrological traceability process, even in a laboratory accreditation context. You will be able to evaluate and interpret the reliability performance of simple systems and understand the product certification process.
The assessment of the knowledge and skills acquired takes place through a final exam which focuses on the topics covered in class; the assessment may also take place through the results of the laboratory activity from which it will be possible to demonstrate the correct use of the instrumentation.
Type of Assessment
The final exam is held orally, and will focus on the topics covered within the program.
The exam includes questions and exercises to be carried out, with possible insights into the laboratory part.
To take the oral exam, online registration is required on the teaching website enabled for electronic verbalization. The list is closed according to criteria established by the University. Depending on the number of people who have registered for the exam, a calendar of days may be prepared, communicated at the beginning of the exam. Enrollments on closed lists and on the exam calendar prepared and communicated will not be accepted.
As per the didactic regulations, the number of exam sessions is equal to seven; the dates are established according to the indications provided by the presidency of the School of Engineering. The dates can be consulted by accessing the School page (www. Ing.unifi.it), section Didactics - Exam sessions.
The Examination Commission is made up of: Marcantonio Catelani, Lorenzo Ciani, Carlo Carobbi, Gabriele Patrizi
Course program
INTRODUCTORY PART - Notes on standardization, certification and accreditation, metrological traceability.
1. ELEMENTS OF THEORY OF MEASUREMENTS (1 CFU)
Because a physical quantity is measured; the concept of measurand, measure and uncertainty; the measurement process and the quantities of influence. Introduction to the International System (SI). Units of measurement and samples. Traceability of measurements and meaning of measurement uncertainty.
2. MEASURING INSTRUMENTS, SENSORS AND AUTOMATIC MEASURING SYSTEMS (3 CFU)
Metrological characteristics of measuring instruments and choice of instrumentation. Metrological traceability, calibration and management of a laboratory. Calibration. Numerical instrumentation, AD-DA converters, signal generator, numerical voltmeters, digital oscilloscope, I / V probes, data logger. Principle of operation and characterization of thermocouples, accelerometers. Notes on automatic measurement systems and simple Labview applications.
3. MEASURES FOR RELIABILITY, COMPLIANCE AND CERTIFICATION (2 ECTS)
Definitions of compliance and reliability. Mathematical model of reliability and parameters. System reliability. Tests on components for reliability characterization. Voluntary product certification and certification process; Community directives in the electrical / mechanical field and CE marking.
LABORATORY ACTIVITIES AND EXERCISES
The laboratory activity may include the use of labview in an automatic measurement system.
Sustainable Development Goals 2030
The topics of the program are the result of research activity developed in laboratory. Such program fulfills goals 7 and 9 f the Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development Goals