Instrumentation for Measurement

Code:

EM0095

Acronym:

IM

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Automation

Instance: 2013/2014 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Automation, Instrumentation and Control Section
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Mechanical Engineering

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MIEM	200	Syllabus since 2006/2007	2	-	6	52	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

Scientists and engineers need experimentation for confirming theory, computational modeling and controlling even the most elementary system. The instrumentation for measurement is fundamental in metrology, laboratory and industrial measurements, systems control and supervision. All these fields of instrumentation are taken into account in the syllabus of this one semester course of the Integrated MSc in Mechanical Engineering, although the main focus is in the domain of laboratory and industrial measurements. The main objectives are: To work with concepts, principles, methodologies and procedures, offering a basic theoretical background in laboratory and industrial measurement; to promote ‘hands-on’ laboratory activity skills; to incentive the use of remote and virtual Labs and the use of haptic interaction systems; to promote the use of thematic courses available in distance learning platforms in the context of b-learning approach. More than 50% of the course is spent in the lab (62.5%) and demonstrations are also used.

Learning outcomes and competences

Expected learning outcomes from lecturing rooms: - To deal with the more current metrological terms according with the International Metrological Vocabulary (VIM). - To analyze the working principles of the different measuring system blocks and their main characteristics related with applications. - To evaluate the methodologies for minimizing measurement errors and to identify measurement uncertainty components. Expected learning outcomes from lab sessions: - To increase the familiarity of using laboratory generic equipment as: multimeter, oscilloscope, wave generator, current/voltage power supply, measuring bridge; - To practice the evaluation of error analysis and measurements; - To identify and to master the working principle of strain, displacement, force, pressure, velocity, temperature measurement systems and proximity detection usually used in industrial environments and in R&D labs; - To identify, to analyze and to minimize error sources from physical quantity measurements and - To evaluate the obtained results; - To identify and to evaluate small malfunctions and to consider their possible repair solutions. Acquired competences - Technical and scientific knowledge associated to the Measurement and Instrumentation area, either at theoretical or at experimental levels; - Critical thinking, analysis and discussion capabilities; - Teamwork skills; - Self-evaluation ability.

Working method

Presencial

Program

1 - Basic concepts of Metrology. 2 - Measurements - errors and uncertainties. 3 – Sensors phisical working principles.  4 – Signal conditioning and transmission.5 - Measurement of physical quantities.

 The theoretical component of the Discipline is 60% and the technological 40%.

Mandatory literature

Dally, James W.; Instrumentation for engineering measurements. ISBN: 0-471-55192-9
Maria Teresa Restivo, Fernando Gomes de Almeida, Maria de Fátima Chouzal; Medição de deformação. ISBN: 978-989-746-028-9

Complementary Bibliography

Timoshenko, Stephen P.; Mecânica dos sólidos. ISBN: 85-216-0247-2 (vol.1)
Asch, Georges; Les capteurs en instrumentation industrielle. ISBN: 2-10-004758-2
Doebelin, Ernest O.; Measurement systems. ISBN: 0-07-100697-4
Maria Teresa Restivo... [et al.]; Laboratórios de instrumentação para medição. ISBN: 978-972-8025-67-0

Teaching methods and learning activities

All the course information is in the Moodle platform, even the theoretical and lab schedules and the assessment criteria grid. Blended learning methodologies are exploited, using the Moodle e-learning platform where three thematic courses are already developed and many other materials are available. Students are invited to contribute for building a glossary, which may help the sedimentary process of knowledge. Also, a set of experiments are remotely available. Materials from theoretical lectures and lab sessions documentation exist already on-line as well as in the e-book entitled “Laboratories of Instrumentation for Measurement”. The course has continuous assessment of concepts and of experimental procedures and methodologies, with final written examination. There are three distinct assessment components (one mainly involving work group performance, and two as individual assessment, either on theoretical or experimental topics). These assessments occur in specific moments: weekly group assessment based on students' involvement and real performance on experimental tasks and results discussion; mid term individual lab assessment within experimental tasks and their theoretical background (20 min); a similar final individual lab assessment (20 min); finally, a written exam for testing the integration of theoretical and experimental knowledge based in simple calculations (2h00). The mid term and the final lab assessment are matched within each student lab schedule.

keywords

Physical sciences > Physics > Metrology
Technological sciences > Technology > Instrumentation technology
Technological sciences > Technology > Measurement technology
Technological sciences > Technology > Laboratory technology

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	40,00
Participação presencial	30,00
Trabalho laboratorial	30,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	100,00
Frequência das aulas	52,00
Trabalho laboratorial	10,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

Simultaneously: Not exceed the official number of missing classes; Minimum average mark on lab performance and involvement (LPI) ≥ 8,0 (20); Weighted average of the lab assessments (40% mid term (MTLA) + 60% final term (FTLA)) = (LA) ≥ 8,0 (20). Frequency mark (FM) = 0,3 * LPI + 0,7 * LA

Calculation formula of final grade

Final examination (FE) ≥ 8,0 (20). Weighing average of the frequency mark (FM) and of the final examination (FE): Final mark = 0,6 * FM + 0,4 * FE At "época de recurso" the student may opt by: Final Examination, Lab Examination or both.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Written examination (minimum mark =8,0 (20)) (WE) Lab. examination (minimum mark =8,0 (20)) (LE) Final mark = 0,4 * WE + 0,6 * LE

Classification improvement

Similar to the one for special evaluation

Observations

Responsible: Maria Teresa Restivo Theoretical lecturers: Maria Teresa Restivo and Fernando Gomes de Almeida