The Hammer Performance Analyzer (HPA) can be used to obtain the peak velocities, impact velocities, strokes, kinetic energy, and potential energy of any type of hammer with a visible ram. This system includes three major components:
- Doppler Radar Antenna
- Signal Conditioner
- Software for Microsoft Windows
The HPA does not require any attached sensors. The Radar Antenna points to a moving object (the hammer), and detects its velocity. The Signal Conditioner powers the radar antenna and converts the radar signal, sending it to a personal computer. The HPA software reads digital signals and processes the signals.
Results are automatically acquired by a field notebook PC for digital processing including full statistical analysis, detailed velocity versus time inspection to identify potential hammer malfunctions, and even calculation of friction losses and ram stroke (hammers always have variable strokes due to soil resistance, variable motive power inputs, valve timing, friction losses, etc).
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