Preliminary results from long-term infrasound sensor comparison


Abstract

Previous testing has shown that infrasound sensors deployed in the field can exhibit notable deviations from their lab-based calibrations. These variations may in-part be due to changes in environmental conditions (e.g. temperature), long-term sensor drift, or other unresolved features. In early 2018 we installed two identical test elements at the Sandia National Labs FACT site with five infrasound sensors (Chaparral M50A, Chaparral M64, MB2005, MB3, and Hyperion IFS-5100) connected to a single port to the atmosphere, as well as internal and external temperature, humidity, and absolute pressure sensors. Using the MB2005 as the reference, we examine the sensor response a function of time and compare it to lab-based calibrations and environmental conditions. Preliminary results show that all sensors exhibit some variability, with the amplitude variations often >5%. The variations occur on both long- term (months) and short-term (diurnal) timescales. The short-term variability appears related to changes in environmental conditions, and is very significant (up to 20%) for the Chaparral 50A and somewhat for the MB3 (~5%). The other sensors show some long-term sensitivity offsets. Here we present the results of 6 months of testing. This work was supported by the Nuclear Arms Control Technology (NACT) Program at Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.


Author(s)

1David Fee, 2Sarah Albert, 2Randy Rembold, 2John Merchant, 2George Slad, 1Curt Szuberla, 1Jay Helmericks, 1Guy Tytgat, 1Lukas Blom, 1Andrew Winkelman, 1Helena Buurman 1Wilson Alaska Technical Center 2Sandia National Labs, Albuquerque, NM, USA


Published Date
01-31-2019