AN accelerometer of the contact type, that employs a new means of suspending the weight, has been developed which is said to eliminate all the contact error and troubles previously experienced with this type of instrument. A counter of sufficient speed to count accurately the accelerations which occur in road service has been developed also, and a complete instrument comprising six elements has been constructed and is described.
Due to the relatively small size of the accelerometer and to its remote connection with the counter, the instrument can be mounted on a vehicle axle or on any other portion of the vehicle desired. This enables measurement to be made of the accelerations transmitted through the tires alone, through the tires and springs, or, if desired, through the tires, springs, body, and seat cushions. With a single instrument or by using separate accelerometers located in different positions, the riding-qualities of any individual portion of the vehicle can be segregated readily.
The combination in one instrument of remote indicating means, relative simplicity, ability to change the range by manipulation of a rheostat, and ruggedness of the accelerometer proper has heretofore been unobtainable in the various devices designed for the measurement of vibrations. This new instrument therefore should assist those interested in researches having to do with vibrations and accelerations.