Computerized Data Acquisition in Experimental Applications

This thesis project was intended to provide the University of Central Florida Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Sciences Department with computerized data acquisition (CDA) capabilities. The data acquisition system has been designed for use in laboratory instruction and research experimentation. The development of the CDA system began in the spring of 1987. This development included the acquisition of system hardware and the design of software. The expertise required to carry out this project was obtained by many hours of laboratory experience. This experience was gained not only in university laboratories but also in international studies at the Euratom laboratory in Italy. The CDA system has been used in several graduate and research projects including many interactions with industry. Over the course of these projects, a variety of transducers have been successfully used with the acquisition system. This project has achieved all initial expectations and much more. It has provided the Mechanical Engineering Department with a versatile, powerful, and reliable tool to aid in experimental instruction and research efforts