P.A.

Hilton Ltd

Universal Vibration Apparatus

HVT12

Modular design means additional options can be acquired

as and when budgets permit
Uses non-contacting devices - LVDT and a proximity sensor
to minimise unnecessary damping
Easier to set-up and run than a pencil, trace and rotating
drum apparatus
Two-channel digital oscilloscope Data acquisition system
with computer-linking supplied as standard for data
capture, storage, analysis and printing
Two year Warranty
 P.A. Hilton Ltd
Introduction
Vibration of mechanical systems is important because it can cause one or more of the following
undesirable effects, amongst others:

 Structural failure due to excessive displacement and stress

 Fatigue failure due to repeated stress reversal
 Malfunction of mounted equipment and components
 Noise
 Slippage and dislocation of joints
 Wear due to relative motion between components
 Discomfort of transported or mounted persons
 Vibration transmission to connected structures
 Positive feedback leading to catastrophic failure

Vibration can be exploited for positive purposes such as transporting powder, sieving and sizing
products, consolidating poured concrete, applying massage, speeding up chemical reactions, removing
dental plaque, and many other applications.

The HVT12 is designed to illustrate the vibrational characteristics and controlling properties of a
simple mechanical system. It illustrates how it is possible to suppress the vibration of a primary system
by attaching to it a smaller secondary system.

The Standard HVT12 Universal Vibrations Apparatus comprises the following equipment:
 HVT12f - Vibrations Frame
 HVT12g - Free and Forced Vibrations experiment
 HVT12d - Vibration Absorber
 HVT12k – Data Acquisition System (Two Channel Digital oscilloscope)
 HAC90 – Tachometer
 HAC110 – Speed Controller
 HAC120 – Motor Exciter

Experimentation on the following four phenomena is possible with the standard unit:
Free Vibrations
Forced Vibrations
Resonant Frequency
Damping

The modular nature of the standard unit allows optional extras to be added as and when budgets permit.

Essential Options for Requirements for Module

Operation
Tachometer
Acquisition
Vibrations

Module
Controller
Vibration
Absorber

HVT12k
HVT12d

HAC110
HVT12f

HAC90

Module Description
System
Frame

Speed
Data

Code

HVT12a Pendulums     
Torsional Oscillation
HVT12b
(Free and Damped)         
HVT12h Mass Spring System    
Beam Bending
HVT12c
(Transverse) Vibration    
There are also a wide range of other experiments available within our Vibrations range. Contact your
local P.A. Hilton Ltd agent for more details.

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Edition 5

NOTE: The policy of P.A.Hilton Ltd is one of continual improvement and we reserve the right to change this specification without notice.
 P.A. Hilton Ltd
Description – HVT12 Standard

Figure 1: HVT12

Experimental Capabilities:
A rectangular steel beam pivots at one end from a bracket and bearing attached to the HVT12f Vibration
Frame. A spring is attached to the free end of the beam to enable the beam to vibrate. The horizontal position of
the spring can be adjusted using the integral adjustment system

Beam displacement is measured using an LVDT displacement transducer from the HAC90 Tachometer. The
output signal from the LVDT can be displayed using the HVT12k data Acquisition system.

The beam can vibrate freely by displacing the free end by a known amount between the two bump stops
provided within the HVT12f Vibrations Frame. Alternatively the beam can be forced to vibrate using the Motor
Exciter. The motor exciter has integral imbalanced masses, which when rotated excites the beam to vibrate. The
speed of beam excitation is controlled using the HAC110 Speed Controller and its output monitored with the
tachometer display HAC90 Tachometer. The output from the tachometer can also be fed into the HVT12k Data
Acquisition System.

A set of calibrated weights are supplied to vary the weight being vibrated. These weights attach to the underside
of the motor exciter or in another position along the beam.
The beam can be vibrated freely or forced. It can also vibrate with or without damping. Damping is introduced
onto the beam using a set of damping discs and damping tank. The damping discs have adjustment which
allows the amount of damping to be altered.

Full technical instruction manual included detailing apparatus assembly, operation, theory and example results.

Supplied as standard
 1 Vibrations Frame (HVT12f)
 1 Beam, pivot and spring (HVT12g)
 1 Vibration Absorber (HVT12d)
 Data Acquisition System (HVT12k)
 1 Interface, complete with Power Supply, USB Lead, Master Software CD
 1 Tachometer (HAC90)
 1 Speed Controller (HAC110)
 1 Motor Exciter (HAC120)
 1 Vertical Support
 1 Dash pot Damper
 1 LVDT Sensor
 1 Basic Maintenance Kit & Instruction manual

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NOTE: The policy of P.A.Hilton Ltd is one of continual improvement and we reserve the right to change this specification without notice.

Detailed Specification
HVT12d Vibration Absorber
Figure 2 HVT12d
A central block is clamped to the test beam which
carries two spring steel strips clamped in a cantilever
arrangement transversely across the test beam.
Attached onto each cantilever is a set of masses,
which can have their magnitude and position adjusted.
With the aid of the LVDT from the HAC90 the
cantilevers and mass system can be tuned to the same
natural frequency as the surround test beam and motor
exciter. Once this is achieved the resonance frequency
of the original system can be observed along with the
resonance frequency of the vibration absorber itself.
This is an excellent visual demonstration of how a
vibration absorber operates. Students can plot the
resonance curve of the test beam with and without the
damping absorber thus explaining fully its use.
HVT12k Interface & Data Acquisition
Software
Figure 3 - HVT12 interface
This is a two channel digital oscilloscope, with USB
connection to a host computer (Not supplied).
The data acquisition software supplied allows the
capture, display, storage and retrieval of the excitation
frequency and beam response from the HVT12
apparatus.
P.A. Hilton Ltd
HAC90 Tachometer
Figure 4 - HAC90
The exciter is controlled via the Speed Controller, and
the excitation force frequency is displayed via the
tachometer (pictured above). The spring resists the
displacement of mass from its equilibrium position. An
oil dashpot provides damping.
The LVDT sensor records the amount of beam
displacement. Both the LVDT signal and the excitation
frequency signal are fed into the data acquisition system
for computer linking and real-time data display and
storage.
HAC110 Speed Controller
Figure 5 HAC110
The HAC110 makes up an essential control component
of the HVT12 and connects directly to the HAC90
Tachometer, HAC120 Motor exciter and motor exciter
of the HVT12c (sold as part of HVT12c experiment
module).
Its main purpose is to control the rotational speed of the
motor exciters used on the HVT12c and HVT12g.
 P.A. Hilton Ltd

HAC120 Motor Exciter

Dimensions
Frame Length 1380mm
Frame Height 1500mm
Frame Width 310mm
Weight 18kg
Internal Working area 1220 x 760mm

Figure 6 HAC120
Its primary function is to transmit rotational motion into
linear displacement of a beam, and hence force the beam
to vibrate at varying amplitudes and frequencies.
The exciter motor is clamped onto a rectangular beam, in
the desired position, i.e. onto the beam within the
HVT12g, Free and Forced vibration.
Services Required
Minimum Host Computer requirements
Host Computer with the following specifications:
 Intel Pentium 3 or equivalent processor > 800MHz
processor speed
 Microsoft Windows NT, 2000, ME, XP (end user
must have operating system CD for XP and below)
 VGA Monitor capable of at least 16-bit colour at
800 x 600 resolution
 150Mb space available on hard drive
 USB1.1 and USB2 for data acquisition connection.
 Powered USB port(s) if possible

The exciter assembly houses two out of balance masses,

which when rotated at speed, created a sinusoidal Ordering Information
excitation. Order as:
HVT12 Universal Vibrations Apparatus
This excitation motion is transmitted to the test beam,
Optional Extras, Order as:
which starts to vibrate. The frequency of vibration
Pendulum Experiment HVT12a
changes with the changing speed of the motor.
Torsional Oscillation (Free and Damped) HVT12b
Beam Bending (Transverse) Vibration HVT12c
The exciter motor is controlled by the speed control unit
Mass Spring System HVT12h
HAC110 and all the connection cables and sockets are
factory fitted. A proximity sensor mounted to the rear of
the motor gives the signal to the HAC90 Tachometer. Language
English

Shipping Specification (Approx.)

Net Weight: 59 kg
Gross Weight: 149 kg
Packing Case Dimensions: 158 x 127 x 94 cm
Packing Case Volume: 1.88m3

Also Available on Request

 Further detailed specification
 Additional copies of instruction manual
 Recommended list of spares for 5 years
operation

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Edition 5

NOTE: The policy of P.A.Hilton Ltd is one of continual improvement and we reserve the right to change this specification without notice.
 P.A. Hilton Ltd

Optional HVT12a Pendulum Optional HVT12b Torsional Oscillation

Experiment (Free and Damped)

Test set comprising the following three pendulums

 Compound Pendulum
 Centre of Percussion
 Bifilar/Trifilar Suspension

Experimental Capabilities The HVT12b comprises a wire rod clamped to a frame

 Simple and Compound pendulums mounted bracket, the rod having a solid disc that can be
 Radius of Gyration attached at variable positions. A solid ring is included,
and rests onto the disc to increase its inertia. A support
 Fulcrum Position
frame, damping cylinder and tank enable fixed and free
 Acceleration due to Gravity
end conditions to be created, and for controlled damping
 Centre of Percussion (‘sweet spot’) to be applied. Includes steel and brass rods complete
 Moment of Inertia with clamps and adaptors.

Order as: HVT12a

Experimental Capabilities
Accessories Required for Operation:  To verify the dependence of the periodic time of
oscillation of a "shaft” mounted flywheel on the
 HVT12f – Vibrations Frame
moment of inertia, length of shaft, and shaft
diameter
 To determine the modulus of rigidity
 To study the effect of damping.

Order as: HVT12b

Accessories Required for Operation:

 HVT12f – Vibrations Frame

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Edition 5

NOTE: The policy of P.A.Hilton Ltd is one of continual improvement and we reserve the right to change this specification without notice.
 P.A. Hilton Ltd
Optional HVT12c Beam Bending Optional HVT12h Mass Spring
(Transverse) Vibrations System

A flexible beam is supported between two end brackets

which create simply supported end conditions. One end
bracket allows pivoting only whilst the other allows
rolling and pivoting only. One of the brackets is supported
on vertical supports that can be moved depending on the
beam length being used. The vertical brackets and
standard length beam are both supplied.
The beam is forced to vibrate using a motor exciter. This
motor exciter can be attached anywhere along the beam
length between the brackets
The motor exciter supplied has the ability to have its mass
increased by the addition of the calibrated masses
supplied. These masses can also be attached in a stack at
other points on the test beam.
A damping tub, damping medium and damping discs are
also supplied to give additional adjustment to the
apparatus
An open helical spring is mounted inside the Vibrations
Frame and free to vibrate vertically through a linear
bearing guide.
Loading is achieved through the use of various masses.
Masses are added to the lower end of the spring to vary
the frequency of oscillation. Frequency, periodic time
and deflection can be measured.
An upper adjustment system allows the springs vertical
position to be varied and, thus its deflection increased
and decreased.
Experimental Capabilities
 Free vibration
 Spring stiffness
 Periodic time

Experimental Capabilities Accessories Required for Operation:

 HVT12f – Vibrations Frame
 Free vibration of a simply supported beam
 Forced vibration of a simply supported beam
Natural frequency of oscillations
 Resonance
 Amplitude of vibrations
 Phase lag P.A.HILTON Ltd.
Horsebridge Mill, King’s Somborne,
Order as: HVT12c Stockbridge, Hampshire, SO20 6PX, England.
Accessories Required for Operation:
Telephone: National (01794) 388382
 HVT12f – Vibrations Frame International +44 1794 388382
 HVT12d - Vibration Absorber
 HVT12k – Data Acquisition System (Two Fax: National (01794) 388129
Channel Digital oscilloscope) International +44 1794 388129
 HAC90 – Tachometer
 HAC110 – Speed Controller E-mail: sales@p-a-hilton.co.uk
Website: www.p-a-hilton.co.uk

Page 7 of 7
Edition 5

NOTE: The policy of P.A.Hilton Ltd is one of continual improvement and we reserve the right to change this specification without notice.