Abstract:
Apparatus for measuring components of a point force includes a first rigid member having an outer surface to receive the point force to be measured, and three spherical force transmitting elements, each of spherical or partial-spherical configuration, projecting from its inner surface, and a second rigid member having an inner surface facing the inner surface of the first member and formed with three sockets for receiving the three spherical force transmitting elements, each of the sockets includes two planar walls diverging in the direction towards the inner surface of the second member so as to be engaged by the respective spherical force transmitting element of the first member at two contact points, and to space apart the inner surfaces of the first and second members. A force sensor is located at each of the two contact points of each of the spherical force transmitting elements to sense the force applied by the respective spherical force transmitting element to each of the two planar surfaces of the second member.
Abstract:
A system is provided for both reading an optical identification mark, such as a bar code, on a fastener and for making ultrasonic load measurements in the fastener using a single probe for use during fastener installation with assembly tools and for the inspection of load in preinstalled fasteners. The probe includes both a fiber optic imaging cable and at least one electrical conductor. The fiber optic imaging cable is optically coupled to an imaging device such as a bar code reader allowing the bar code reader to be located remote from the fastener. The electrical conductor provides an electrical connection from the ultrasonic transducer on the fastener to load measurement instrumentation. The probe is further capable of providing illumination of the bar code to facilitate reading of the bar code.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a system and methods with changes in microstructure properties such as grain size, grain elongation, texture, and porosity, of materials can be determined and monitored over time to assess conditions such as stress and defects. The present invention includes a database of data, wherein a first set of data is used for comparison with a second set of data to determine the conditions of the material microstructure.
Abstract:
A sensor for detecting stress waves for use in a stress wave analysis system. The stress waves are preferably detected in a narrow frequency range of 35-40 KHz. At this range, stress waves from friction and impact sources typically propagate through machine structures at detectable amplitudes. In order to maximize the signal to noise ratio of stress waves, relative to background noise and vibration, the sensor of the present invention is designed and calibrated with a frequency response and damping features that are specifically tailored for stress wave analysis. The sensor is a multi-functional sensor that can measure a number of logically related parameters for indicting the mechanical condition of a machine. It is often desirable to measure both friction and one or more other parameters appropriate for indication of a machine's health, where all of the measuring capability is contained in one sensor. The multi-functional capability of the present invention significantly reduces the acquisition, installation, and maintenance costs of the condition monitoring instrumentation system.
Abstract:
The latent stress in a material can be measured using critically refracted longitudinal ultrasonic technique. The system uses a frame to hold a hydraulic piston. The piston is used to apply an adjustable force against the probes. A signal is initiated by a first transducer. The signal is angled against the piece under test so as to create a critically refracted wave along the piece. The delay time to receive the wave at a first and second probe is measured. The delay time correlates to a stress in the piece.
Abstract:
A sensor for detecting stress waves for use in a stress wave analysis system. The stress waves are preferably detected in a narrow frequency range of 35-40 KHz. At this range, stress waves from friction and impact sources typically propagate through machine structures at detectable amplitudes. In order to maximize the signal to noise ratio of stress waves, relative to background noise and vibration, the sensor of the present invention is designed and calibrated with a frequency response and damping features that are specifically tailored for stress wave analysis. The sensor is a multi-functional sensor that can measure a number of logically related parameters for indicting the mechanical condition of a machine. It is often desirable to measure both friction and one or more other parameters appropriate for indication of a machine's health, where all of the measuring capability is contained in one sensor. The multi-functional capability of the present invention significantly reduces the acquisition, installation, and maintenance costs of the condition monitoring instrumentation system.
Abstract:
A thin film stress sensor measures the maximum compressive stress between two elements that are compressed together. The sensor is formed from a thin RTV film impregnated with microballoons and reinforced with carbon fibers to restrain the lateral deformation of the RTV so that more uniform pressure can be exerted on the microballoons when the sensors are uniaxially compressed. The testing method includes applying a compressive stress up to an maximum compressive stress to rupture a first portion of the microballoons, and then applying an interrogating pressure causing acoustic emissions emitted by a second portion of the microballoons when the interrogating pressure equals the equivalent maximum compressive stress, so as to determine the maximum compressive stress.
Abstract:
The present invention defines an improved strain gauge and a method of using an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) for monitoring stress and strain in an underlying workpiece. The gauge is provided with positioning pins for fixing the registration of the EMAT relative to the workpiece. The gauge is provided with a friction reducing means, such as a bearing or a wheel assembly, to minimize EMAT bottom contact surface area and thus unwanted frictional influences caused by deformation of the workpiece under the EMAT. An assembly for reliably positioning the EMAT gauge above a workpiece is also disclosed, in which the assembly comprises an actuating means which by a linkage mechanism lowers or raises at least the EMAT into position, further allowing access to the positioning pins for applying the necessary force to fix the position of the gauge relative to the workpiece.
Abstract:
A triaxial force sensor using a hemispherical target supported by a compliant element such as a spring or an elastomer supported by a rigid support member. The sensor includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers disposed in a plane at equal intervals about the target and vertically and laterally offset from the target. The transducers are oriented at an oblique angle to the plane, and aimed at the target in its rest position. The target is displaced by sufficient force applied to elastically deform the compliant element, which displacement alters the transit times of ultrasonic signals from the transducers which are reflected from the target. If at least three sensor units are employed non-colinearly, the six force-torque components, F.sub.x, F.sub.y, F.sub.z, M.sub.x, M.sub.y, M.sub.z, can be determined from the pulse transit times, the speed-of-sound in the medium or media between the transducers and the target, the deformation response of the compliant element, and the known geometry and spacing of the transducers. Pairs of transducers may be rotationally offset from each other to determine different force-torque components. A plurality of sensors as described may be employed together in a multi-sensor array. An alternative embodiment employing both the amplitude and the transit time of an ultrasonic pulse is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A triaxial force sensor using a hemispherical target embedded in a compliant layer such as an elastomer and having a plurality of ultrasonic transducers disposed in a plane at equal intervals about the target and vertically and laterally offset from the target. The transducers are oriented at an oblique angle to the plane, and aimed at the target in its rest position. The target is displaced by sufficient force applied to the surface of the compliant layer, which displacement alters the transit times of ultrasonic signals from the transducers which are reflected from the target. If at least three sensor units are employed non-colinearly, the six force-torque components, F.sub.x, F.sub.y, F.sub.z, M.sub.x, M.sub.y, M.sub.z, can be determined from the pulse transit times, the speed-of-sound in the compliant layer, the compressibility of the compliant layer, and the known geometry and spacing of the sensor units. Pairs of transducers may be rotationally offset from each other to determine different force-torque components. A plurality of sensors as described may be employed together in a multi-sensor array. An alternative embodiment employing both the amplitude and the transit time of an ultrasonic pulse is also disclosed.