Application of MEMS Accelerometers in Dynamic Vibration Monitoring of a Vehicle

In this paper, the viability of MEMS accelerometers is investigated to measure vibration parameters related to different locations of a vehicle with respect to the automotive dynamic functions. The data is collected to compare the accelerometer performances in different locations on the vehicle, including on the hood above the engine, on the hood above the radiator fan, over the exhaust pipe, and on the dashboard. The power spectral density (PSD), together with the time and frequency domain results, confirm the strength and frequencies of the sources of vehicle dynamics. The frequencies obtained from the vibrations of the hood above the engine and radiator fan are approximately 44.18 Hz and 38 Hz, respectively. In terms of the vibration amplitude, the measured amplitudes are between 0.5 g and 2.5 g in both cases. Furthermore, the time domain data collected on the dashboard during driving mode reflects the road condition. Overall, the knowledge obtained from the various tests conducted in this paper can be advantageous for further control and development of vehicle diagnostics, safety, and comfort.

Automated summary

This paper investigates the feasibility of using MEMS accelerometers to measure vibration parameters related to different locations of a vehicle for automotive dynamic functions. The study compares accelerometer performances in various locations on the vehicle and analyzes the results using power spectral density, time, and frequency domain analysis. The knowledge obtained from this study can be beneficial for the control and development of vehicle diagnostics, safety, and comfort.