Over a wide frequency range the sensor mass and the sensor base have the same acceleration magnitude and therefore the sensor measures the acceleration of the accelerometer body. Due to the piezoelectric effect, a charge output proportional to the applied force is generated from this vibration or shock. When the accelerometer is subjected to vibration, a force is generated which acts on the piezoelectric element and the seismic mass.

One side of the ceramic is rigidly connected to the accelerometer body, the other side has a seismic mass added. The active element in a piezoelectric accelerometer is a piezoelectric ceramic. Piezoelectric Accelerometer Configurations

This electric signal is proportional to the mechanical strain of the piezo and therefore, it is proportional to the vibration or shock event of the system. Basically, p iezoelectric transducers convert mechanical energy (when strained) to an electric signal through the piezoelectric effect. they convert a portion of the energy associated with any internal mechanical strain into recoverable electrical energy and vice versa. Piezoelectric materials exhibit electro-elastic coupling. How a Piezoelectric Accelerometer Works The Piezoelectric Effect Additional resources on vibration and shock measurement will also be provided. In this post, I'll discuss how piezoelectric accelerometers work, the benefits and drawbacks of piezoelectric accelerometers over piezoresistive or capacitive MEMS, and finally, I'll provide links to where you can buy these sensors. There are many different types of accelerometers, but piezoelectric accelerometers are the most popular for vibration and shock measurement. It's time to reveal the mystery behind the accelerometer type you typically use in vibration and shock testing!

Piezo vibration sensor