ATCP SONELASTIC SA-BC User manual

Installation and Operation Manual
SA-BC
Adjustable support for bars and cylinders
ATCP Physical Engineering, SonelasticDivision
Lêda Vassimon, 735-A - Ribeirão Preto - Brazil - 14026-567
Telephone: [phone]
www.sonelastic.com

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SA-BC Adjustable support for bars and cylinders
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Installation and Operation Manual
SA-BC
Adjustable support for bars and cylinders
Manufactured by:
ATCP do Brasil –Alves Teodoro Cerâmicas Piezoelétricas do Brasil Ltda.
ATCP Physical Engineering, SonelasticDivision
Rua Lêda Vassimon, 735-A
Ribeirão Preto –SP, Brazil
CEP 14026-567
CNPJ: 03.970.289/0001-60
Inscrição estadual: 797.013.492.110
Brazilian Industry
www.sonelastic.com

Copyright
Copyright © 2010-2022 by ATCP Physical Engineering
All rights reserved.
ATCP reserves the right to change the product or this manual without notice.
Version 6.0
April/2022

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction ................................................................................................. 05
2. Definitions .................................................................................................... 05
3. Features and applications ............................................................................. 05
4. Configurations, parts, accessories and optional items .................................. 06
5. Parts identification ....................................................................................... 08
6. Specifications ............................................................................................... 09
7. Specimens .................................................................................................... 10
7.1 Recommended aspect ratios and typical dimensions .................................... 10
7.2 Placing the specimen ............................................................................... 11
8. Support installation ....................................................................................... 12
8.1 Requirements ........................................................................................ 12
8.2 Typical arrangements .............................................................................. 12
8.3 Mounting the acoustic sensor in the vertical base and Sturdy Tripod ............. 14
8.4 Replacing the support-cables .................................................................... 15
8.5 Installing the IED Automatic Impulse Device............................................... 16
9. Support operation.......................................................................................... 17
9.1 Positioning the specimen.......................................................................... 17
9.2 Positioning the acoustic sensor ................................................................. 18
9.3 Positioning the IED Automatic Impulse Device ............................................ 18
10. Acquisition and excitation modes ................................................................ 20
11. Warnings and support transportation.......................................................... 22
12. Maintenance and troubleshooting................................................................ 22
13. Symbology................................................................................................... 23
14. Technical support and warranty ................................................................. 23
15. Statement of responsibility.......................................................................... 23
Notes................................................................................................................. 24

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1. Introduction
ATCP Physical Engineering equipment and products were projected and manufactured to
provide a long-lasting and top-rated performance. This Installation and Operation Manual
contains all necessary information regarding the use and maintenance of SA-BC Support.
Carefully read this manual before using the SA-BC support. Improper
use may damage the product and affect its performance.
2. Definitions
Impulse Excitation Technique: The Impulse Excitation Technique is a non-destructive
technique to determine the elastic moduli and damping of materials by the resonance
frequencies of test specimens. ASTM E1876 is the main standard related to the Impulse
Excitation Technique.
Resonance frequencies: Specimen natural frequencies of vibration.
Elastic modulus: Elastic modulus or Young’s modulus is defined as the slope of the stress-
strain curve at the elastic region, as described by Hooke’s Law. The elastic modulus
determined by Impulse Excitation Technique is also termed as dynamic elastic modulus.
Damping: Damping is the phenomenon by which mechanical energy is dissipated in vibration
systems and elements. It is directly linked to the presence of defects and to the material
microstructure.
3. Features and applications
SA-BC Support is an apparatus to support specimens for non-destructive characterization of
Young’s modulus and damping of materials by Impulse Excitation Technique, in agreement
with ASTM E1876 and correlated standards. SA-BC Support was developed to be used
alongside Sonelastic®Systems.
SA-BC Support allows rectangular and cylindrical specimens to rest on the nodal lines of the
fundamental flexural vibration mode (for a specimen of length L, these nodal lines are 0.224L
distant from the ends). Based on the size and weight of the specimen to be tested, this
support offers a practical system to adjust the distance between the support-cables, as well
as the traction on them. SA-BC Support also allows tests based on torsional and longitudinal
vibration modes for bars and cylinders.
For greater convenience, SA-BC Support may be combined with IED Automatic Impulse
Device and Sturdy Tripod.

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4. Configurations, parts, accessories and optional items
SA-BC Support is available in both manual and automatic configurations. Optional items are
offered to customize the Sonelastic®Systems.
Manual configuration
Parts:
[01] –SA-BC Support;
[02] –CA-PD Acoustic Sensor with vertical mounting base.
Accessories:
[03] –Spare support-cable set;
[04] –Height-adjusting disc;
[06] –Medium Manual Impulse Device;
[07] –Light Manual Impulse Device.
Note: The SA-BC Support includes a protective cover which is
not shown in the image.
Optional Items:
[05] –Sturdy Tripod.

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Automatic configuration
Parts:
[01] –SA-BC Support;
[02] –CA-PD Acoustic Sensor.
Accessories:
[04] - Spare Support-cable set;
[05] - Height-adjusting disc for the CA-PD Acoustic Sensor;
[06] - IED Automatic Impulse Device control unit;
[07] - Medium RT Impulse Device;
[08] - Medium Manual Impulse Device;
[09] - Light Manual Impulse Device.
Note: The SA-BC Support includes a protective cover which is not
shown in the image.
Optional Items:
[03] –Sturdy Tripod.

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5. Parts identification
SA-BC Support
01- Support base;
02- Support-cable tightener;
03- Support-cable;
04- Safety cables;
05- Support bar;
06- Anchoring terminal;
07- Leveling foot.
* Two sets of cables are provided: a Ø1.2 mm cable, for heavier specimens, and a Ø0.7mm cable,
for lighter specimens.
CA-PD Acoustic Sensor
01-CA-DP Acoustic Sensor;
02- P2 plug (3.5 mm);
03- Flexible cable;
04- Cable gland;
05- Acoustic sensor frame;
06- Vertical mounting base*;
07- Height-adjusting disc**.
* The Vertical mounting base allows positioning the acoustic sensor on the vertical, directly below
the specimen, for measurements under the manual configuration.
** The height-adjusting disc should be used to balance CA-DP Acoustic Sensor and or IED Impulse
device heights, when testing lightweight specimens.
01
02
03
04
05
06
07

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Sturdy Tripod
01- Frame;
02- Articulated tripod;
03- Handle for securing the tube;
04- Pillar;
05- Handle for the tube articulation;
06- Acoustic sensor clip;
07- Inner tube;
08- Handle for the inner tube articulation;
09- Outer tube;
10- Handle for the outer tube articulation;
11- Cable’s organizer.
The Sturdy Tripod is supplied in the support automatic configuration and it is optional for the in
manual configuration to measure the longitudinal vibration mode.
6. Specifications
Code .................................................................................... 10-018-27
Model ................................................................................... SA-BC-G2
Maximum dimensions for cylindrical specimens (L x D) .............. 450 x 200 mm
Minimum dimensions for cylindrical specimens (L x D) ............... 100 x 5 mm
Maximum dimensions for rectangular specimens (L x W x T) ....... 450 x 170 x 170 mm
Minimum dimensions for rectangular specimens (L x W x T) ....... 100 x 5 x 5 mm
Maximum weight when using Ø 0,7mm support-cable ................. 10 kg
Maximum weight when using Ø 1,2mm support-cable ................. 30 kg
Aperture between the support rods (minimum - maximum) ........ 62 - 200 mm
Aperture between the support-cables (minimum - maximum) ..... 15 - 275 mm
Support dimensions (W x L x H) .............................................. 360 x 230 x 270 mm
Support weight without a specimen ......................................... 4.2 kg
Working temperature range ..................................................... 10 - 40°C (50 - 104 °F)

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7. Specimens
7.1 Recommended aspect ratios and typical dimensions
Minimum aspect ratios must be observed to avoid coupling between specimen’s vibration
modes. In addition, aspect ratio determines the pattern of frequency spectrum of the acoustic
response. We advise users to standardize the aspect ratio in order to facilitate the frequencies
identification. The table below presents the recommended aspect ratio and typical dimensions
for bars and cylinders.
Geometry
Recommended aspect ratio
Typical dimensions
Cylinder
𝐿
𝐷≥ 2
The ratio between length (L) and
diameter (D) must be greater than or
equal to 2.
(L x D)
- 100 x 50
- 150 x 75
- 200 x 100 mm
- 300 x 150 mm
- 500 x 50 mm
Square Section Bar
𝐿
𝐴≥ 3
The ratio between length (L) and edge
(A) must be greater than or equal to 3.
(L x A x A)
- 150 x 25 x 25 mm
- 150 x 35 x 35 mm
- 250 x 60 x 60 mm
- 450 x 50 x 50 mm
Rectangular Section Bar
𝐿
𝑊 4
The ratio between length (L) and width
(W) must be greater than or equal to 4.
𝑊
𝑇≤ 8
The ratio between width (W) and
thickness (T) must be less than or equal
to 8.
(L x W x T)
- 150 x 30 x 10 mm
- 150 x 37,5 x 5 mm
- 300 x 60 x 20 mm
- 450 x 100 x 35 mm
Important observations for preparing and finishing the specimens:
- The recommended dimension tolerance is ±1%;
- Faces should be flat and parallel;
- Corners should not be rounded.
Note: Minimum dimensions may vary as a function of aspect ratio and material Young’s
modulus; the frequency should be lower than CA-DP Acoustic Sensor and acquisition device
maximum frequency. It is possible to estimate the frequency using Sonelastic

Software
simulation tool. The higher the Youngs’ modulus, the higher the frequency.

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7.2 Placing the specimen
The specimen should be symmetrically placed over the support-cables, with those at a
distance of 0.224 L from the specimen ends (L is the specimen length). For instance, if a
specimen’s length (L) is 100 mm, the support-cables should be positioned at a distance of
22.4 mm from the ends. The positions of 0.224 L correspond to the nodal lines of the flexural
vibration mode.
Typical positioning for a cylinder.
Typical positioning for a rectangular bar.
The corresponding distance calculation of 0.224 L is automatically generated and informed by
Sonelastic® Software. The specimen marking may be done by using a pencil and a ruler or a
caliper ruler. The Support-cables position is adjusted by dislocating the anchoring terminals.
8. Support installation
8.1 Requirements
- A flat and leveled workbench with a free space of at least 60 x 120 cm (depth and width).
This space is enough to fit SA-BC Support, specimens, computer and optional items.
- A 127 or 220 VAC three-pin ground wired electrical mains plug. This plug is needed to power
the computer up.
The support installation consists of positioning it over the workbench and coupling the acoustic
sensor to the vertical base or Sturdy Tripod. Following that, choose the support-cables and
install them.

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8.2 Typical arrangements
Typical SA-BC Support arrangements are presented next.
[1]
Configuration: Manual.
Specimen: Square section bar.
Acoustic sensor: With vertical mounting
base and the height-adjusting disc.
Impulse device: Light Manual Impulse
Device.
[2]
Configuration: Automatic.
Specimen: Square section bar.
Acoustic sensor: With vertical mounting
base and the height-adjusting disc.
Impulse device: IED Automatic Impulse
Device with Medium RT Impulse Device
and height-adjusting disc.
[3]
Configuration: Manual.
Specimen: Medium size rectangular
section bar.
Acoustic sensor: With Sturdy Tripod
(optional item).
Impulse device: Medium Manual Impulse
Device.
Attention! Before using SA-BC Support, verify if its four rubber feet are
on the workbench (not wobbly). If any of its feet is not flat on the
workbench, readjust it until all feet are securely placed and flat on the
surface.

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[4]
Configuration: Manual.
Specimen: Heavy cylinder.
Acoustic sensor: With vertical mounting
base, but without the height-adjusting
disc.
Impulse device: Medium Manual
Impulse Device.
[5]
Configuration: Automatic.
Specimen: Heavy cylinder.
Acoustic sensor: With vertical mounting
base.
Impulse device: IED Automatic Impulse
Device with Medium RT Impulse Device.
[6]
Configuration: Manual.
Specimen: Medium size rectangular
section bar.
Acoustic sensor: With Sturdy Tripod
(optional item).
Impulse device: Medium Manual
Impulse Device.
Note: In the typical arrangements presented, the optimum support form for the flexural mode
is also proposed for the longitudinal mode. Nodal lines and the ideal support for this vibration
mode do not match the ones for the longitudinal mode. However, the longitudinal mode is
very little sensitive to the cables supporting positions (when ends are free). As a result, it is
possible to use the flexural mode boundary conditions to characterize the longitudinal without
compromising the results.

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8.3 Mounting the acoustic sensor in the vertical base and Sturdy Tripod
In the vertical mounting base:
Step 01 - Insert the acoustic sensor in the vertical mounting base ensuring the wire goes
out through the side opening, as shown below:
Step 02 - Press the base against the acoustic sensor until it is coupled and secured to the
base.
In the Sturdy Tripod:
Step 01 - Insert the acoustic sensor in the Sturdy Tripod acoustic sensor clip, as shown
below:
Step 02 - Slide the acoustic sensor into the clip until the whole acoustic sensor frame is
fully secured, then place its cable over the Sturdy Tripod inner tube.
Step 03 - Connect the acoustic sensor to the acquisition board audio input.

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8.4 Replacing the support-cables
The thinner the support-cable, the smaller is its interference in the measurement. However,
observe the maximum weight than can be held by each of the two support-cables available.
SA-BC Support is supplied with a Ø1.20mm support-cable set (this is the recommended cables
to be used with specimens weighting between 10 and 30kg). To replace them for the
Ø0.70mm support-cables (recommended for specimens weighting up to 10kg), follow the
steps described next:
Step 01 - Turn the support-cable tightener anti-clockwise until the support-cable is
completely loose. Hold by the hook when turning the tightener to prevent the
cable from turning with it;
Step 02 - Disconnect the support-cable ends (eye nuts) from the respective hooks
(tightener terminal and anchoring terminal);
Step 03 - Repeat the previous steps to uncouple the other support-cable;
Step 04 - Hold the new support-cable to be used and couple the eye of one of its ends to
the anchoring terminal hook;
Step 05 - Maintaining the new cable under a slight tension, place it on the tubes,
ensuring it fits perfectly the chute of each one of the three supporting sleeves
of the support-cable. Next, couple the other cable eye nuts to the tightener
terminal hook;
Step 06 - Holding the hook as illustrated in Step 01, turn the tightener clockwise so that
the new support-cable is tight;
Step 07 - Repeat the previous steps to fit the other support-cable.

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For light specimens (weighting up to 10kg), tension the support-cables until fully straight. For
heavy specimens, adjust the tension on the cables so that, when the specimen is placed over
them, it will only go down about 15 mm from its initial position, as shown below:
If the displacement is less than 15 mm in the case of heavy specimens, the support cables
will be overloaded and may rupture.
8.5 Installing the IED Automatic Impulse Device
Before installing the IED Automatic Electromagnetic Impulse Device (controller and device),
please read its own Instructions Manual.
Necessary displacement for
heavy specimens using Ø1,20
mm support-cables.

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9. Support operation
After following 8 –Support Installation steps, the SA-BC Support will ready for use.
9.1 Positioning the specimen
To carry out a fast and precise characterization of specimens using SA-BC Support:
Step 01: Install the support according to the specimen weight (see 8 –Support
Installation);
Step 02: Using a ruler or a caliper ruler and a pencil, trace nodal lines on the supported
face and on the sides of the specimen. These lines should be 0.224 L distant
from the ends being L the length of the specimen (see 7.2 - Placing the
specimen);
Step 03: Shift the tighteners, terminals and sliding support sleeves together with their
respective support-cables until the distance between them allows to support
the specimens exactly by their nodal lines (0.224 L);
Step 04: Place the specimen over the Support-cables ensuring that the nodal lines traces
are precisely aligned with the cables under it.
After completing these steps, the specimen should be correctly supported and positioned for
the characterization.
Note: To measure the torsional mode in rectangular bars, it is necessary to trace lines at
0.32 L for acquisition and excitation. For more details, please verify 10 - Acquisition and
Excitation Modes.

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9.2 Positioning the acoustic sensor
Step 01: Mount the acoustic sensor in the Sturdy Tripod clip or in the vertical mounting
base, as described in 8.3 –Mounting the acoustic sensor in the vertical base
and on the Sturdy Tripod;
Step 02: Adjust the height or distance of the acoustic sensor, so its end is at a distance of
approximately 1 cm away from the specimen, as illustrated below; Note: The
distance is not critical for the results.
Step 03: Position the Acoustic Sensor. It may be in line with the center of the inferior
face of the specimen, when focusing on the flexural mode; in line with and
above the specimen, when focusing on the longitudinal mode; or to the side of
the inferior face (near the Support-cables at the 0.32 L position), when aiming
to obtain both flexural and torsional modes.
Note: For more details on the correct positioning of the Acoustic Sensor, verify 10 –
Acquisition and Excitation Modes.
9.3 Positioning the IED Automatic Impulse Device
Step 01: Check if the RT Impulse Device is directly below the center of the inferior face
of the specimen if the focus is on the flexural mode; or to the side of the
inferior face (0.32 L) to measure flexural and torsional modes;
Note: For more details on how to correctly position the Impulse Device, see 10
–Acquisition and Excitation Modes;
Step 02: Turn the adjusting nut of the Impulse Device clockwise and anticlockwise to
allow the vertical movement of its tip. Adjust the position so it remains
approximately 3 mm away from the specimen, as pictured next:

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Step 03: Configure the Impulse Device intensity (see more information in the IED
Impulse Device User Manual.
Note: All information regarding the IED Automatic Electromagnetic Impulse
Device has been described in detail in its Installation and Operation Manual.
Attention! When dealing with heavy specimens, ensure safety cables are
always positioned close by the support-cables to avoid chances of
specimens falling over the user hands in the case of a support-cable
rupturing.

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10. Acquisition and excitation modes
The table below describes the most practical positions of the acoustic sensor and impulse
device for characterizing rectangular specimens, using flexural, torsional and longitudinal
vibration modes.
Flexural mode –I
Excitation from above and
signal acquisition from below,
both aligned with the center
of the specimen.
Cables positioned at 0.224L.
Flexural mode - II
Excitation and signal
acquisition from below, both
on the specimen ends.
Cables positioned at 0.224L.
Longitudinal mode
Top-centered excitation and
signal acquisition from
opposite sides of the
specimen.
Cables positioned at 0.224L.
Flexural + torsional
modes - I
Excitation from above and
signal acquisition from below,
positioned at 0.32L from
opposed edges.
Cables positioned at 0.224L.
Flexural and torsional
modes - II
Excitation and signal
acquisition from, positioned
at 0.32L on opposed edges.
Cables positioned at 0.224L.