Sonelastic SA-AG User manual

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

Sonelastic®Systems
SA-AG Adjustable support for large specimens
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Installation and Operation Manual
SA-AG
Adjustable support for large specimens
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 3.0
January/2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction ................................................................................................. 05
2. Definitions .................................................................................................... 05
3. Application and features ............................................................................... 05
4. Configuration, parts, accessories and optional items .................................... 06
5. Parts identification ....................................................................................... 07
6. Specifications ............................................................................................... 08
7. Specimen ...................................................................................................... 09
7.1 Recommended aspect ratios ..................................................................... 09
7.2 Placing the specimen ............................................................................... 10
8. Support installation ...................................................................................... 11
8.1 Requirements ......................................................................................... 11
8.2 Typical arrangements .............................................................................. 11
8.3 Mounting the support in the default configuration........................................ 13
8.4 Mounting the support with extension rod.................................................... 14
8.5 Mounting the acoustic sensor ................................................................... 14
9. Support operation ......................................................................................... 15
9.1 Positioning the specimen.......................................................................... 15
9.2 Positioning the acoustic sensor ................................................................. 15
10. Acquisition and excitation modes ................................................................ 16
11. Warnings and support transportation.......................................................... 17
12. Maintenance and troubleshooting ............................................................... 17
13. Symbology .................................................................................................. 17
14. Technical support and warranty .................................................................. 18
15. Statement of responsibility.......................................................................... 18
Notes ................................................................................................................ 19

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SA-AG Adjustable support for large specimens
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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-AG Support.
Carefully read this manual before using the 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 dynamic
systems. It is directly linked to the presence of defects and to the material microstructure.
3. Application and features
SA-AG 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-AG Support was developed to be used
alongside Sonelastic®Systems.
SA-AG Support allows large 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). This support offers a practical system to adjust the distance
between the supporting blocks. SA-AG Support also allows tests based on torsional and
longitudinal vibration modes for bars and cylinders.

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SA-AG Adjustable support for large specimens
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4. Configurations, parts, accessories and optional items
SA-AG Support consist of two supporting blocks linked by a threaded rod, allowing practical
adjustment. It also has an extension rod to expand the maximum distance between the
supporting blocks.
Parts:
[01] –SA-AG Support;
[02] –Acoustic Sensor CA-DP;
[03] –Sturdy Tripod.
Accessories:
[04] –Medium Manual Impulse Device;
[05] –Extension rod (01 UNIT).
Optional items:
[05] –Extension rod.

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SA-AG Adjustable support for large specimens
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5. Parts identification
SA-AG Support
01- Threaded rod;
02- Fastening nut of the supporting
block;
03- Supporting block;
04- Supporting frieze;
05- Damper foot;
06- Extension rod.
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.

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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.
6. Specifications
Maximum dimensions for rectangular specimens (L x W x T) ....... 5,300 x 200 x 200 mm
Minimum dimensions for rectangular specimens (L x W x T) ....... 120 x 20 x 20 mm
Maximum dimensions for cylindrical specimens (L x D) ............... 5,300 x 200 mm
Minimum dimensions for cylindrical specimens (L x D) ............... 120 x 30 mm
Maximum dimensions for the Standard Support (L x W x T)......... 1,000 x 250 x 57 mm
Maximum dimensions for the extended support (L x W x T) ......... 3,000 x 250 x 57 mm
Maximum weight capacity........................................................ 200 kg
Standard Support weight, without a specimen............................ 2.8 kg
Extended support weight, without a specimen............................ 5.2 Kg
Working temperature range .................................................... 10 - 40°C (50 - 104 °F)

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SA-AG Adjustable support for large specimens
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7. Specimens
7.1 Recommended aspect ratios
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 for bars and cylinders.
Geometry
Recommended proportions
Cylinder
𝐿
𝐷≥ 2
The ratio between length (L) and diameter (D) must be greater than
or equal to 2.
Square section bar
𝐿
𝐴≥ 3
The ratio between length (L) and edge (A) must be greater than or
equal to 3.
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.
Important observations for preparing and finishing the specimens:
- The recommended dimension tolerance is 2%;
- Faces should be flat and parallel;
- Corners should not be rounded.

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7.2 Placing the specimen
The specimen should be symmetrically supported and placed over the supporting blocks, with
these resting at a distance of 0.224 L from the specimen ends (L is the length of the
specimen). For instance, if a specimen’s length (L) is 1,000 mm, the supporting blocks should
be positioned at a distance of 224 mm from each end. The positions of 0.224 L correspond to
the nodal lines of the flexural vibration mode.
Rectangular bar
Cylinder
The corresponding distance calculation of 0.224 L is automatically generated and informed by
Sonelastic® Software. Markings on the specimen are generally done by using a pencil and a
ruler or caliper ruler.

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SA-AG Adjustable support for large specimens
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8. Support installation
8.1 Requirements
- Floor or a flat surface to place the support with a free area large enough to fit the SA-AG
Support and the specimens to be tested.
- A workbench flat and leveled with a free space of at least 60 x 60 cm (depth and width).
This space is enough to fit the computer.
- 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 floor, coupling the acoustic sensor
to the Sturdy Tripod and adjusting the distance between the supporting blocks according the
specimen length.
8.2 Typical arrangements
Typical SA-AG Support arrangements are presented next:
Standard
Maximum distance between supporting friezes:
934 mm.
Minimum distance between supporting friezes: 66
mm.

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With one extension rod
Maximum distance between the supporting
friezes: 1,934 mm.
Minimum distance between the supporting
friezes: 126 mm.
Arrangement with two extension rods
Maximum distance between the supporting
friezes: 2,934 mm.
Minimum distance between the supporting
friezes: 1,126 mm.
Notes:
- The maximum and minimum lengths for which it is possible to detect the resonance
frequencies also depend on the material elastic properties. For wood, recommend the
characterization by the longitudinal mode because it presents a frequency higher than the
flexural one.
- SA-AG Support comes partially disassembled to facilitate its transportation. To be able to
use it, follow the assembling instructions in 8.3 –Mounting the support in the default
configuration, whist checking for descriptions in 5 –Parts identification.

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8.3 Mounting the support in the default configuration
Step 01 - Hold the threaded rod [01] and fit the supporting block fastening nuts [02] on
each end at a minimum distance of 60 mm from the tip, as shown next:
Step 02 - Fit the supporting blocks [03] on each rod end through the central holes,
positioned on the sides of each block, until the blocks are touching the fastening
nuts [02], as shown next:
Observation: to facilitate this step, rest the support on a hard and flat surface.
Step 03 - Finalize mounting the support by fitting the other two fastening nuts on the end
of each rod, tightening them well to lock the supporting blocks, as shown next:

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SA-AG Adjustable support for large specimens
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Step 04 –To adjust the distance between the supporting blocks, release the fastening nuts,
positioning them on the threaded rod together with the supporting blocks until
an ideal distance between the supporting friezes [04] is achieved. After that,
secure the supporting blocks by tightening the fastening nuts. The maximum and
minimum distances between the supporting friezes in each of the possible
Support SA-AG mounting arrangements are presented in 8.2 –Typical
arrangements.
Note: After positioning the supporting blocks at ideal distance, ensure they are
locked well using the fastening nuts so the support is always sturdy enough to
carry out the characterizations.
8.4 Mounting of the extension rod on the support
Step 01 - If the support has already been assembled as previously described, remove the
fastening nuts and the supporting blocks off one of the ends of the threaded rod,
then couple the extension rod [06] to it. For that, screw the extension rod until
the end, checking that it is totally locked and fastened, as shown next:
Step 02 - After mounting the extension rod, assemble the supporting block [03] and couple
the respective fastening nuts to the extension rod ends, as described in step 01.
Note: Depending on the specimen length, the SA-AG support may be further
extended by using a second extension rod (optional item).
8.5 Mounting the acoustic sensor
Step 01 - Insert the CA-DP Acoustic Sensor in the Sturdy Tripod microphone clip, as shown
below:
s
Step 02 –Slide the acoustic sensor into the clip until the whole microphone frame is fully
secured, then place its cable over the Sturdy Tripod inner tube.
Step 03 –Connect the acoustic sensor to the computer’s acquisition board audio input.

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SA-AG Adjustable support for large specimens
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9. Operating the support
After following the steps of 8 –Support Installation, your SA-AG Support are ready for use.
9.1 Positioning the specimen
To carry out a fast and precise characterization of specimens using SA-AG Support, follow
carefully the steps:
Step 01 –Prepare the support according to the size of the specimen to be characterized
and to the information in 8 –Support Installation;
Step 02 –Using a measuring tape and a pencil, trace on the sides of the specimen the
nodal line where it should be supported, according to the distance indicated by
the SonelasticSoftware;
Step 03 –Shift the supporting blocks, as described in 8.3 –Setting up the Standard
Support, until the distance between them is the same as the one marked on the
specimen.
Step 05 –Carefully place the specimen over the supporting friezes, ensuring the traced
marks are precisely aligned with the friezes below them.
After completing this step sequence, the specimen should be correctly supported and
positioned for the characterization.
Note: To measure the torsional mode, it is necessary to trace marks on the specimen at a
distance of 0.32 L, as the ideal supporting for acquisition and excitation modes. For more
details, check 10 - Acquisition and excitation modes.
9.2 Positioning the acoustic sensor
Step 01 –Mount the acoustic sensor on the Sturdy Tripod, as described in 8.5 –Mounting
the acoustic sensor for characterization.
Step 02 –Adjust the acoustic sensor distance so its face is approximately 1 cm away from
the specimen face. This distance is not critical for the results.
Step 03 –Position the CA-DP Acoustic Sensor according to 10 - Acquisition and excitation
modes. After positioning the acoustic sensor, start the characterization process
using the Medium Manual Impulse Device.

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10. Acquisition and excitation modes
The table below describes in detail the most practical positions of the acoustic sensor and
impulse device for characterizing rectangular specimens, using flexural, torsional and
longitudinal vibration modes.
Flexural mode for bars
Excitation at the center and
acquisition at the end of the
specimen, both from above
and width-centered.
Supporting at 0.224L.
Longitudinal mode for
bars
Top-centered excitation and
signal acquisition from
opposite sides of the
specimen.
Supporting at 0.224L.
Flexural + Torsional
modes
Excitation and signal
acquisition from above,
positioned at 0.32L from
opposed edges.
Supporting at 0.224L.
The next table provides detailed information on the most practical forms for characterizing
cylindrical specimens using flexural and longitudinal modes.
Flexural mode for
cylinders
Excitation at the center and
acquisition at the end of the
specimen, both from above
and width-centered.
Supporting at 0.224L.
Longitudinal mode for
cylinders
Face-centered excitation and
signal acquisition from
opposite faces of the
specimen.
Supporting at 0.224L.

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Note: Considering the typical arrangements presented, the optimum support form for the
flexural mode is also proposed for torsional and longitudinal modes. Nodal lines and the
optimum support for these vibration modes, however, do not match the ones for the flexural
mode. The longitudinal mode, for example, is not sensitive to the supporting positions (when
faces are free) and the sensitivity of the torsional mode is less than 1%. As a result, it is
possible to use the flexural mode boundary conditions to characterize the longitudinal and
torsional modes efficiently, without invalidating the results.
11. Warnings and support transportation
Reading all the information contained in this Installation and Operation Manual is
compulsory for the correct use of the support;
The power outlet where the computer will be connected must have a functional ground
pin;
Do not use this support for other purposes apart from the ones specified by this Manual;
The non-compliance with the instructions provided by this manual in what regards the use
of this support may reduce or invalidate warranty time.
Support Transportation:
- Transport the support with care;
- Avoid impacts and falls when transporting the support;
- Do not transport the support under the rain, even when wrapped in its original packaging.
12. Maintenance and troubleshooting
- Depending on the specimen material, detachment of residues may occur during handling.
To avoid hazards and possible damages to the support, clean frequently using a slightly damp
cloth.
- To maintain the support in a good condition and extend its life, keep all accessories, optional
items and chutes clean.
Problem
Possible cause
Troubleshooting
The support wobbles when
mounted over a surface.
The surface may not be
completely flat or may
present some irregularities.
Find a flatter area around the place
where the support should be
mounted.
The specimen cannot be
properly positioned under the
MICROPHONE.
The specimen dimensions do
not comply with the
specifications.
Check specific dimensions limits in
8 –Specifications.
13. Symbology
Attention! Risk of danger.

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14. Technical support and warranty
If the support presents any abnormality, verify if the problem is listed in 12 –Maintenance
and troubleshooting. If the problem still cannot be fixed, contact ATCP.
ATCP Physical Engineering offers a 12-month warranty with this support, starting from the
date of purchase. It covers manufacturing defects or materials defects, but some factors may
cause the invalidation of warranty:
1 - The non-compliance with the recommended care regarding the installation and operation
of this support, as describe herein;
2 - Accidents, falls, inadequate installation or any other damage cause by incorrect use or
action of natural agents;
3 - Violation, repair or any other modification or alteration done in the support or parts of
the support carried out by non-authorized agents (non-authorized by ATCP Physical
Engineering).
After the 12 months of warranty, parts, expenses and services shall be charged.
15. Statement of responsibility
ATCP Physical Engineering takes total technical and legal responsibility over the SA-AG
Support and guarantees that all information here provided are true.

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Notes:
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