Frequency and amplitude measurement of a cantilever beam using image processing: with a feedback system

Image processing techniques can be utilized in analyzing amplitude and frequency of vibrating structures. It is a form of non-contact method which is suitable for cases where application of contact devices could alter the frequency of structure. This paper covers the study based on vision system that performs amplitude and frequency measurement of a cantilever beam in near real time, using image processing and computer vision toolbox in MATLAB. The vision system then detects changes in amplitude followed by feedback mechanism to ensure operation at resonance frequency. The system includes a high speed camera which is able to detect amplitude and frequency of cantilever beam vibrating at a frequency with the help of mechanical exciter. The high speed camera captures images of the beam, that are processed by a MATLAB script for evaluation of amplitude and frequency. To locate amplitude of the vibrating beam, centroid recognition technique is used which tracks the centroids of the beam in consecutive frames and plots number of pixels moved by the centroid with respect to time. Later, frequency is found out on the basis of intensity change over the time. Amplitude analysis is done at different frequencies which are automatically adjusted with the help of microcontroller to determine the resonance point. Exciter continues to vibrate at the resonant frequency until a change in amplitude is detected, implying the formation of crack. At which point the system adjusts its vibrating frequency accordingly to adjust with the new resonant frequency. This paper covers proper experimental procedure backed with the results.