Smart Thumper | Forest & Wildlife Research Center

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About Us

Introduction
Information

How We Started

What was the problem we found and how we solved it.

In the forest products industry, the use of smartphones has increased. There are needs in the market to measure certain properties such as stiffness of wood materials.

Devices currently available in the market for consumers are unaffordable and unpractical. Thus, we developed a smartphone application (App) that can measure stiffness.

App Data

What information this application provides.

Smart Thumper gives consumers an affordable stiffness measuring mechanism.

The information obtained from the App can be used as one of the tools to ultimately ensure the sound structure design and safe building constructions.

1

How to Setup

A pair of sawhorses need to support the sample's entire length. Leave one-inch (2.54 cm) overhang on each end of the sample. Weighing the sample if a scale is available.
2
How to Test

Open the app -> insert sample specification -> select a testing type (vibration OR soundwave) -> run the test -> read/check the results
- a) Vibration: place the smartphone on center-top of the sample and gently vibrate vertically.
- b) Soundwave: hold the smartphone with the microphone close to the end of the sample. Hit the sample with a hammer to evaluate the sound.
3

How to Read Results

Color lights: green is an indicator of higher stiffness level, while yellow and red stand for fair stiffness and low stiffness level respectively. When Grey light (invalid) is on, users are suggested to test it again. For more information, see the instructions for use. To improve results, please download this Thumper_Calc.xlsm file (Optional).

Download Now

Available for all apple based platforms. Android coming soon.

App Store
Available Now

Google play
Coming Soon

*Works on iOS 10.0+

GALLERY

App Screenshots

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can use this tool?

Consumers, engineers, architects, builders, carpenters, lumber graders, DIYs, researchers, etc.

What version of iPhone should be to test SmartThumper?

iOS 10.0 or later

What kinds of sawhorses are recommended?

Any type of sawhorses (sample support), refer to the instructions for use.

What is Cross Section Size?

It refers dimensions (width x thickness).

When other species are available?

Other species can also be measured now if sample weight is available. Douglas fir and Spruce Pine Fir (SPF) defaults will be available soon.

How important the weight of samples?

It improves accuracy of the results.

How strong one needs to hit a sample for soundwave test?

Strong enough to make the sound, but not to the level of a nail driving force, view video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qy-VkLpE3oQ&ab_channel=smartthumper.

Should I place the sample flatwise (plank, wide-side up) or edgewise (beam, narrow-side up)?

Flatwise is recommended for vibration, sound wave in either orientation is ok.

What kinds of hammers can be used?

Any type, size, weight of hammers

How accurate the results are?

The MOE results are correlated with dMOE results. (testing results)

How to check the saved results?

See My Result page.

What is MOE and dMOE?

MOE (modulus of elasticity) is stiffness determined by measuring loads and deflection. dMOE (dynamic modulus of elasticity) is a way to predict MOE based on vibration and its frequency.

Will it be available on Android?

Not at the present time

What is the dimension limits?

The length of samples depends on the Cross Section Size. See Table xx in the instructions.

How to convert units (Imperial vs. S.I.)?

Both are available and selectable in the App.

Should I weigh the sample?

Yes, if possible.

Where to place or hold for the tests?

For vibration test, one place a smart phone in the center of a sample. For sound wave test, position a smart phone's microphone at the end of the sample.

How strong one needs to vibrate?

Gently, see video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoFs5H-px6s&ab_channel=smartthumper

The results are not consistent.

1) Within a sample: vibrate or hit with consistent force. Re-test and check for consistency.
2) Between samples: each sample has its own result.

How to save the results?

Press SAVE on My Result page after each test.