Department of Physics, University of
Utah
Course Number: Physics 5760 (4)
Course Title: Physical Measurement
Systems
- REPRESENTATIVE TEXTBOOK
- Principles of Measurement Systems, 3rd Edition, Bentley, J.P., Longman Scientific
& Technical ,UK & John Wiley & Sons, New York (1988).
- COURSE DESCRIPTION
- Objective
- This course will provide a general understanding of the instrumentation required to perform
a wide variety physical measurements. The lectures and laboratories will introduce the student to
sensors designed to measure temperature, pressure, mechanical motion and force, and electric and
magnetic fields. The lectures will provide a theoretical understanding of measurement systems, of
data and error analysis, and of specific physical sensors; the laboratories will provide practical
experience with measurement systems, physical sensors, and proper experimental
techniques.
- Content
- Most of the general background covered in the lectures is also available in the text, but the
lectures will also cover specific sensors, measurement systems and measurement techniques that
are not available in the text.
- Laboratory Work
- A total of six laboratory experiments will be performed. Each experiment will take two
weeks. A laboratory report will be due 1 week after the laboratory work is done. Laboratory
reports that are turned in late will receive reduced credit. Some homework problems will be
given with the laboratories.
- PRE-REQUISITE
- Physics 2210-2220 (Engineering Physics) or instructors consent
- OTHER COMMENTS
- None
- MANDATORY TOPICS
- Topic 1:
- Static Characterization of Measurement Systems
- Topic 2:
- Dynamic Characterization of Measurement Systems
- Topic 3:
- The Effects of Loading on Measurement Systems
- Topic 4:
- Electrical and Mechanical Impedance Matching
- Topic 5:
- Optimization of Measurement Systems to Improve Signal-to-Noise Ratios, Linearity, and
Temporal or Frequency Responses
- Topic 6:
- Physical Sources of Noise
- Topic 7:
- Specific Physical Sensors (Thermal, Displacement, Velocity or Acceleration, Flow, Force,
Sound, Electric Fields and Currents, Magnetic Fields)
- Links to exisiting web page for this course:
- 5760
-
Prepared by P. Craig Taylor (3/31/99)