A similar method to measuring ice on a vibrating wire is used to measure persistent ice on small structures. The measurment of vibration of structural members will utilize an accelerometer; it produces a very sensitive results for a wide dynamic range of attached ice mass. A small tapping mechanism will be developed to induce frequency vibration. Signal conditioning and processing are proposed, including use of a micro-controller, a crystal controlled wave-length timer and other approaches. Phase i will consist of several primary steps; 1) selecting appropriate accelerometers(s) for a variety of structural materials to be tested; 2) analyzing the various options for signal processing; 3) selecting appropriate power devices; and 4) performing basic tests to establish the technique and to clearly identify the additional research needed to make the product commercially viable. A working system and a final report will be provided.
