ABSTRACT

A tachometer is a sensor device for measuring the rotation speed of an object such
as the engine shaft in a car. This device indicates the revolutions per minute (RPM)
performed by the object. The device comprises of a dial, a needle to indicate the
current reading, and markings to indicate safe and dangerous levels. Historically,
the first mechanical tachometers were designed based on measuring the centrifugal
force. In 1817, it was adapted to be used for measuring the speed of machines. But
after 1840, it has been predominantly used to measure the speed of vehicles.
An instrument which measures the instantaneous angular speed of a shaft by measu
ring the centrifugal force on a massrotating with it.centrifugal
tachometer
are
generally made as multiple range units to determine the speed over a wide range.
The change from one range to another is accomplished by a gear train between the
fly ball shaft and the spindle that communicates with the rotating shaft.while using
an instrument of this type , care is taken to select a high enough speed range .This
device usually displays the revolutions per minute (RPM) In the centrifugal
tachometer, centrifugal force acts upon fly weights that are connected bylinks to
upper and lower collars. The upper collar is affixed to a drive shaft; the lower
collar is free tomove up and down the shaft. A spring, which fits over the shaft,
connects the upper and lower collars. This type of tachometre is also knowm as
flyball tachometre. The basic principle of this tachometre is that the centrifugal
force is directly proportional to the shaft speed . Two fly-balls whose weights are
small are used in this tachometre and hence it is called flyball tachometre . These
two balls are used in developing centrifugal force. In this case the spring is
compressed as function of shaft speed. It is noted that one end of the spring is
connected to the sleeve and moved smoothly on spindle . The position of the sleeve
is indicated as the speed of rotating shaft. The motion of the sleeve is amplified and
it indicates the speed with the help of a pointer on scale. This type of tachometer is
also used for linear speed measurements , with necessary attachments mounted on
the spindle . For obtaining speed over wide range , this type of tachometer uses
multiple range units. A gear train is used between the fly balls to complete the
change from one range to another range . The draw back ofthe tachometer is
overspeed which seriously damage the instrument . This type of tachometers are
widely used for measuring of shaft speeds upto 4010^3 rpm . Its accaracy is + or
1%
of
full
scale.Centrifugal
tachometers
are
used
in
Automobiles,airplanes,trucks, tractors, trains and light rail vehiclesetc.Tachometers
have a distinct advantage over the revolution counter stop watch mechanisam in
that they indicate whether or not the speed remains substantially constant.