VELA Laser Vibrometers   Non-contact vibration measurements Single point and scanning systems Optional Modal Analysis and ODS Software   More Information: Aries Webpage | VELA Brochure

Introduction

Laser vibrometers are excellent substitutes for accelerometers especially for light structures (no mass loading), hot surfaces, and rotating objects.  The laser beam from VELA is directed toward the surface of interest and the reflected light is sensed.  The frequency of the reflected light is shifted proportional to the object velocity, referred to as the Doppler frequency shifting phenomena. The Doppler frequency is then processed to give the output voltage proportional to the surface velocity of the scanned point in real time.

VELA Product Line  

VELA-SP Single Point Vibrometer

The basic components of the VELA vibrometer are the laser head and controller (pictured right and left below). 

 The laser head houses the laser and the sensor for the reflected light.  The light signal is converted to a voltage signal which is then passed to the controller.  The controller further processes the signal to a format suitable for connecting to signal analyzers, recorders, and other digitizing devices.  The VELA-SP is useful for applications where the surface measurement locations are few because the laser beam must be aimed by adjusting the laser head position like a video camera on a tripod.

VELA-SD Scanning Vibrometer and Modal Analysis System

The VELA-SD adds scanning and modal analysis functionality to the VELA-SP.   Like the VELA-SP, it is made up of a laser head and controller but with enhanced capabilities.  The VELA-SD laser head contains mirrors to position the laser beam and a video camera.  The controller includes a signal analyzer for digitizing the vibration signal and computing spectra.  PC software is used to control beam positioning, signal processing, and mode shape animation.

A user can use the software's graphical user interface along with the live video image to select the points to be measured.  The controller then automatically moves the beam from point to point pausing while the built-in signal analyzer acquires spectra.  If the excitation signal is available such as from a force transducer connected to a shaker, frequency response functions are collected.

Once all the spectral data is collected, they can be viewed with the software and mode shapes can be animated.  The spectral data can also be exported for processing with various 3rd party software. 

VELA Software Package

The main VELA software package features are: 

• Zero-mass loading, non-contact vibration measurement.
• Compact design.
• Easy and simple to use.
• Accurate and fast measurements,regardless of surface reflectivity.
• High frequency vibration measurement (up to 40 kHz).
• Low amplitude vibration measurement (3 nm).
• Natural Modal Analysis and Operating Deflection Shapes calculation.

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More Information: Aries Webpage | VELA Brochure