Importance of Accelerometer SelectionAccelerometer:Vibrations are everywhere in our lives. They may be generated and transmitted by different things, such as motors, turbines, machines and plants, structures and buildings, or even by human body. Some vibrations are desirable, and some of them can be disturbing or destructive. So understanding the causes of vibrations, measuring and reducing them is important. Accelerometer is a device, designed to measure vibrations in different situations and environments.Function:The heart of an accelerometer is a piezoelectric material (like quartz or ceramic crystal). Figure shows this material as a disc for piezoelectric effect explanation.Imagine that piezoelectric material (the disk) is located between two electrodes, like a capacitor. When a force is applied perpendicular to the disk, a voltage is produced at the electrodes. This phenomenon is called piezoelectric effect. Main elements of an accelerometer are piezoelectric material and seismic mass (Figure ).
