Evaluation and Improvement of Accuracy in the Instantaneous Angular Speed (IAS) and Torsional Vibration Measurement Using Zebra Tapes

This paper analyses from an experimental standpoint the measurement error in the Instantaneous Angular Speed (IAS) and Torsional Vibration (TV) measurement by means of zebra tapes. A precision gear test rig is exploited to compare against calibrated high accuracy analog encoders and low-cost digital encoders taken as angular references, after performing a measurement error analysis. It is shown analytically and experimentally how compensation of systematic errors leads to a substantially increased measurement accuracy. The benefits introduced by such compensation are demonstrated, leading to the conclusion that zebra tapes show high potential for extremely accurate measurement of Torsional Vibrations, both in terms of angular position and IAS.