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.
Abstract:
A load indicating cell and a method of manufacturing a load indicating cell are disclosed and claimed. An ultrasonic transducer, grown on one surface of a load bearing member, such as a fastener, is used to determine the length, stress or other tensile load dependent characteristic of the member using ultrasonic techniques.
Abstract:
A radio frequency strain monitor includes a voltage controlled oscillator for generating an oscillating signal that is input into a propagation path. The propagation path is preferably bonded to the surface of a structure to be monitored and produces a propagated signal. A phase difference between the oscillating and propagated signals is detected and maintained at a substantially constant value which is preferably a multiple of 90.degree. by changing the frequency of the oscillating signal. Any change in frequency of the oscillating signal provides an indication of strain in the structure to which the propagation path is bonded.
Abstract:
The apparatus comprises a base and two movable opposite centers, one of which is fastened to a rotatable axle, while the other is fastened to a screw by means of a bearing, and mounted in two opposite parallel plates. Between the plates there is disposed a tank filled with an acoustic medium, and underneath it there is mounted a sensor which is connected to a measuring system. Two parallel guides are transversely fastened to the plates. The base is suspended on the parallel guides with a collar fastened to it. The base is provided with a driving screw and a handle. A spring, within the collar and attached to it, is fastened rigidly to a guiding sleeve. To this sleeve there is fastened the tank, on which there are seated parallel rotating rollers. A limiting sleeve of the sensor is mounted inside a guide by means of a locking nut, which is pressed against a second nut fastened to the guiding sleeve.
Abstract:
A method for measuring stress in test articles including the steps of obtaining for a calibrating specimen a series of transit time differentials between the second wave echo for a longitudinal wave and the first wave echo for each of a pair of shear waves propagated through the specimen as it is subjected to a known stress load of a series of stress loads for thus establishing a series of indications of the magnitudes for stress loads induced in the specimen, and thereafter obtaining a transit time differential between the second wave echo for a longitudinal wave and the first wave echo for each of a pair of shear waves propagated in the planes of the stress axes of a test article and comparing the transit time differential thus obtained to the series of transit time differentials obtained for the specimen to determine the magnitude of biaxial stress in the test article.