This article covers key aspects of installing and using a Simcenter Qsource Thumper (Q-TMP) shaker.
See the PDF manual attached to this article for more details.
1. Mounting Considerations
The Q-source thumper shaker comes with mounting accessories including a mounting plate that has an inner M8 screw thread. Using a M8 rod (also included) the Q-TMP shaker can be attached to the rod and mounting plate as illustrated in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Left – Mounting plate attached to test object with M8 rod. Right - Thumper shaker attached to M8 rod.
The shaker can be mounted in any direction or orientation.
During the tuning of the force level, it may happen that the shaker hits its end stop resulting in a high impact on the mounting plate. This could cause the shaker to come loose and fall. To avoid damaging the shaker, connect a safety rope to the loop (highlighted in red in Figure 2)
Figure 2: Connect safety rope to shaker via the loop (highlighted in red) to an external support.
Always ensure the shaker is fixed to an external support to avoid an impact to the shaker caused by a drop on the floor.
2. Power
The small ball-type connectors, highlighted in red in the sketch below, at the end of the shaker are the power inputs (Figure 3).
Figure 3: To power the Q-TMP shaker, attach the black cables to the small ball-type connectors (highlighted in red).
After mounting the shaker to the test structure, the socket connectors on the black power cables can be pushed on the ball connectors. A “click” sound confirms a proper snap connection.
The shaker must be powered by an instrumentation amplifier like the Simcenter Qsources Measurement Power Amplifier (Q-AMP). A high-quality audio or PA amplifier can also be used. However, the electronic protection device must be connected between the amplifier and the shaker.
The shaker is powered through the leads with the mini banana plugs. These plugs must be connected to the electronic protection device. The main power cable of this device has two black banana plugs as shown in Figure 4.
Plug one end in the electronic protection device, plug the other end into the amplifier.
4. Sensor Connection
The force signal is transmitted via a coaxial cable with microdot 10-32 connector which can be connected to any channel set to ICP mode on a Simcenter SCADAS frontend (Figure 5).
Figure 5: Microdot connection for the force sensor output of Q-TMP. The sensor is ICP powered.
5. Operation Tips
Turn the amplifier down to zero before starting the source.
Avoid the inert mass hitting the bump stop. This will alter the force spectrum.
During operation of the shaker, also make sure the cables do not touch the moving inert mass of the shaker to avoid the cables being pinched between the stinger and the inert mass.
6. Removing the Shaker
Disconnect the sensor cable and both mini banana power cables. The safety rope can remain fixed to minimize the risk of dropping the shaker during removal.
Use a 12 mm wrench to apply torque to the stinger and a 13 mm wrench for unlocking the M8 nut. Release the safety rope and take away the shaker.
The mounting plates can be reused, remove the glue with the qualified cleaner before the next application.
