Accelerometer in a Trailer?

  • 09

    Dec

    Accelerometer in a Trailer?
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    IMT strives to stay at the forefront of the newest technology for specialty transportation. This means constantly looking for ways to improve our advanced Helicopter Trailer system in order to provide the highest levels of safety and security for your most valuable assets.
     
    The newest addition to our trailer is a 3-axis accelerometer to measure the G-forces subjected to cargo in transit, in every direction. This system will provide invaluable data on a per second basis throughout the entire trip.
     

    Accelerometer install

    Installing the accelerometer underneath the helicopter landing gear securement area


     
    In aeronautics, the load factor is defined as the ratio of the lift of an aircraft to its weight, and represents a global measure of the stress to which the structure of the aircraft is subjected. The load factor of an aircraft can be expressed by the formula n=L/W where “n” is the load factor, “L” is the lift and “W” is the weight. The “load factor” is commonly expressed in “g’s,” a load factor of 1g represents the conditions of straight and level flight (1X the force of gravity).
     
    Excessive load factors must be avoided to prevent the possibility of exceeding the structural strength of a particular aircraft. Aviation authorities specify the load factor limits different classes of aircraft are able to withstand without damage. For example, most helicopters are designed to operate within a range of -1g to +3.5g.
     
    Certain aircraft designed specifically for acrobatics can have range tolerances as large as -10g to +12g. Although when you get into ranges that large, the ability of the pilot to withstand the g forces is just as important as the structural integrity of the aircraft.
     
    Accelerometer

    Accelerometer provides real time data that is stored on a local hard drive.


     
    Why measure G-forces? Our goal is to minimize the air worthiness gap by ensuring safe transit for all aircraft and aerospace components. IMT only uses fully air-ride tractors and trailers and we would like to know exactly how smooth the ride is for cargo in transit.
     
    We will be able to show how many G’s were subjected to the cargo at all times and from which direction. This information is critical in case of any unforeseen bumps in the road.
     
    This technology can also be used for jet engine shipments, as the tolerances for aircraft engines are extremely sensitive. If we can definitively show, with real data, that the cargo was not subjected to any major violent motion, we can save our customers hundreds of thousands of dollars in diagnostic costs.

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