Calibrator for displacement gages used in the rock mechanics laboratory

A system for calibration of LVDT's (linear variable displacement transformers) was developed for use in the rock mechanics laboratory. The new calibrator system works on an electrical-mechanical principle where a mechanical translator moves a holding fixture, which has provisions for both the calibrator measurement standard, a precision gage head LVDT and the LVDT(s) of interest during the calibration procedure. Output voltages from both the calibrator standard and the gage(s) being calibrated are easily recorded by laboratory computers, making printouts and plots of data a simple task. The new system avoids measurement errors introduced by micrometer thread backlash and spindle sticking associated with previous mechanical systems.