Dynamic verification of calibration for pressure transducers

An important phenomenon in the maritime world is the vibration of a ship’s hull, induced by pressure waves radiated by a cavitating propeller. During model tests, pressure transducers measure these fluctuating pressures. These dynamic conditions contrast with the static calibrations of these transducers. Resonances and damping are transducer properties that limit the useful frequency range. To verify the validity of the transducer’s output signal, a test stand is used in which a harmonic signal excites several transducers under test. The test stand comprises a liquid filled calibration chamber and a signal generator controlled exciter that exerts a harmonically fluctuating pressure to the connected pressure sensors. The excitation signals cover both the amplitude and the frequency ranges as are expected to emerge in the envisaged model test.