Accelerometers Piezoelectric accelerometers are best used for dynamic vibrating systems as discussed in the note on dynamic systems.

Accelerometers can also be built using any sensor that can measure motion. Accel = d(veloc.)/dt = d2(position)/dt2. Sensors using this principle can measure acceleration at all frequencies up to some maximum. Unlike piezoelectric sensors they respond to slowly changing or static forces such as gravity. For example strain gauges can be used, mounted to a cantilever beam. Capacitive sensors rely on the movement of a seismic mass between the electrodes. They are rugged and can withstand large overloads. Operating ranges can be from 2g to 600g. Accuracy is typically about 1% FS. These sensors are relatively simple to use, rugged and cheap. LVDT sensors are also used to build accelerometers. They can be used for acceleration up to 1000g but are somewhat susceptible to overload damage. Servo based sensors wok on a closed-loop servo system which keeps the seimic mass in a constant position. The force required to achieve this is a measure of the acceleration. These sensors have typical accuracies of 0.05% of full scale, resolution is about 0.0001% FS