Search results

1 – 10 of 491
Content available
Article
Publication date: 1 June 2004

83

Abstract

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 76 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2002

M. Saadat and L. Cretin

This paper results from research carried out to survey the various large commercial aerospace engineering component measurement systems. The commercial aircraft manufacturing…

1286

Abstract

This paper results from research carried out to survey the various large commercial aerospace engineering component measurement systems. The commercial aircraft manufacturing industry is special due to the size of the components involved. Accuracy constraints remain very close, despite the size, and therefore accurate methods of measurement are necessary to control the quality of the final product. A survey of various current methods of measurement for such components is presented. These methods are based around three main principles: theodolites, photogrammetry, and laser technology. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of accuracy, repeatability, range and cost. It is also often necessary to consider what each technique provides in terms of data storage and analysis. Most techniques use computer‐based systems to store results and perform various calculations. These systems also have their own requirements in terms of the environment in which they are used. It is important to consider whether a particular system can be installed in an area suitable to measure the required component, as well as ensuring that the stability requirements are met. In this paper the principles and characteristics of conventional optical tooling, electronic triangulation, electronic trilateration, photogrammetry, laser trackers, and laser scanners are reviewed.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 22 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 1989

Charles Griffiths

TOUGHER standards imposed by the aerospace industry on engine performance measurement have created an unprecedented reliance upon NAMAS approved high precision testing for flow…

Abstract

TOUGHER standards imposed by the aerospace industry on engine performance measurement have created an unprecedented reliance upon NAMAS approved high precision testing for flow measurement transducers. The Hydril rig, the result of many months of research and development, is designed to satisfy these requirements.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 61 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Article
Publication date: 12 January 2010

Julien Blaise, Ilian Bonev, Bruno Monsarrat, Sébastien Briot, Jason Michel Lambert and Claude Perron

The purpose of this paper is to propose two simple tools for the kinematic characterization of hexapods. The paper also aims to share the experience of converting a popular…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose two simple tools for the kinematic characterization of hexapods. The paper also aims to share the experience of converting a popular commercial motion base (Stewart‐Gough platform, hexapod) to an industrial robot for use in heavy duty aerospace manufacturing processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The complete workspace of a hexapod is a six‐dimensional entity that is impossible to visualize. Thus, nearly all hexapod manufacturers simply state the extrema of each of the six dimensions, which is very misleading. As a compromise, a special 3D subset of the complete workspace is proposed, an approximation of which can be readily obtained using a computer‐aided design (CAD)/computer‐aided manufacturing (CAM) software suite, such as computer‐aided 3D interactive application (CATIA). While calibration techniques for serial robots are readily available, there is still no generally agreed procedure for calibrating hexapods. The paper proposes a simple calibration method that relies on the use of a laser tracker and requires no programming at all. Instead, the design parameters of the hexapod are directly and individually measured and the few computations involved are performed in a CAD/CAM software such as CATIA.

Findings

The conventional octahedral hexapod design has a very limited workspace, though free of singularities. There are important deviations between the actual and the specified kinematic model in a commercial motion base.

Practical implications

A commercial motion base can be used as a precision positioning device with its controller retrofitted with state‐of‐the‐art motion control technology with accurate workspace and geometric characteristics.

Originality/value

A novel geometric approach for obtaining meaningful measures of the workspace is proposed. A novel, systematic procedure for the calibration of a hexapod is outlined. Finally, experimental results are presented and discussed.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 37 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 March 2024

Mohamed Slamani, Hocine Makri, Aissa Boudilmi, Ilian A. Bonev and Jean-Francois Chatelain

This research paper aims to optimize the calibration process for an ABB IRB 120 robot, specifically for robotic orbital milling applications, by introducing and validating the use…

Abstract

Purpose

This research paper aims to optimize the calibration process for an ABB IRB 120 robot, specifically for robotic orbital milling applications, by introducing and validating the use of the observability index and telescopic ballbar for accuracy enhancement.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the telescopic ballbar and an observability index for the calibration of an ABB IRB 120 robot, focusing on robotic orbital milling. Comparative simulation analysis selects the O3 index. Experimental tests, both static and dynamic, evaluate the proposed calibration approach within the robot’s workspace.

Findings

The proposed calibration approach significantly reduces circularity errors, particularly in robotic orbital milling, showcasing effectiveness in both static and dynamic modes at various tool center point speeds.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses on a specific robot model and application (robotic orbital milling), limiting generalizability. Further research could explore diverse robot models and applications.

Practical implications

The findings offer practical benefits by enhancing the accuracy of robotic systems, particularly in precision tasks like orbital milling, providing a valuable calibration method.

Social implications

While primarily technological, improved robotic precision can have social implications, potentially influencing fields where robotic applications are crucial, such as manufacturing and automation.

Originality/value

This study’s distinctiveness lies in advancing the accuracy and precision of industrial robots during circular motions, specifically tailored for orbital milling applications. The innovative approach synergistically uses the observability index and telescopic ballbar to achieve these objectives.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 July 2019

Yaser Javed, Mohtashim Mansoor and Irtiza Ali Shah

Pressure, being one of the key variables investigated in scientific and engineering research, requires critical and accurate measurement techniques. With the advancements in…

2118

Abstract

Purpose

Pressure, being one of the key variables investigated in scientific and engineering research, requires critical and accurate measurement techniques. With the advancements in materials and machining technologies, there is a large leap in the measurement techniques including the development of micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors. These sensors are one to two orders smaller in magnitude than traditional sensors and combine electrical and mechanical components that are fabricated using integrated circuit batch-processing technologies. MEMS are finding enormous applications in many industrial fields ranging from medical to automotive, communication to electronics, chemical to aviation and many more with a potential market of billions of dollars. MEMS pressure sensors are now widely used devices owing to their intrinsic properties of small size, light weight, low cost, ease of batch fabrication and integration with an electronic circuit. This paper aims to identify and analyze the common pressure sensing techniques and discuss their uses and advantages. As per our understanding, usage of MEMS pressure sensors in the aerospace industry is quite limited due to cost constraints and indirect measurement approaches owing to the inability to locate sensors in harsh environments. The purpose of this study is to summarize the published literature for application of MEMS pressure sensors in the said field. Five broad application areas have been investigated including: propulsion/turbomachinery applications, turbulent flow diagnosis, experimentalaerodynamics, micro-flow control and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)/micro aerial vehicle (MAV) applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The first part of the paper deals with an introduction to MEMS pressure sensors and mathematical relations for its fabrication. The second part covers pressure sensing principles followed by the application of MEMS pressure sensors in five major fields of aerospace industry.

Findings

In this paper, various pressure sensing principles in MEMS and applications of MEMS technology in the aerospace industry have been reviewed. Five application fields have been investigated including: Propulsion/Turbomachinery applications, turbulent flow diagnosis, experimental aerodynamics, micro-flow control and UAV/MAV applications. Applications of MEMS sensors in the aerospace industry are quite limited due to requirements of very high accuracy, high reliability and harsh environment survivability. However, the potential for growth of this technology is foreseen due to inherent features of MEMS sensors’ being light weight, low cost, ease of batch fabrication and capability of integration with electric circuits. All these advantages are very relevant to the aerospace industry. This work is an endeavor to present a comprehensive review of such MEMS pressure sensors, which are used in the aerospace industry and have been reported in recent literature.

Originality/value

As per the author’s understanding, usage of MEMS pressure sensors in the aerospace industry is quite limited due to cost constraints and indirect measurement approaches owing to the inability to locate sensors in harsh environments. Present work is a prime effort in summarizing the published literature for application of MEMS pressure sensors in the said field. Five broad application areas have been investigated including: propulsion/turbomachinery applications, turbulent flow diagnosis, experimental aerodynamics, micro-flow control and UAV/MAV applications.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 39 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 January 2018

Gobi K., Kannapiran B., Devaraj D. and Valarmathi K.

The conventional strain gauge type pressure sensor suffers in static testing of engines due to the contact transduction method. This paper aims to focus on the concept of…

Abstract

Purpose

The conventional strain gauge type pressure sensor suffers in static testing of engines due to the contact transduction method. This paper aims to focus on the concept of non-contact transduction-based pressure sensor using eddy current displacement sensing coil (ECDS) to overcome the temperature limitations of the strain gauge type pressure sensor. This paper includes the fabrication of prototypes of the proposed pressure sensor and its performance evaluation by static calibration. The fabricated pressure sensor is proposed to measure pressure in static test environment for a short period in the order of few seconds. The limitations of the fabricated pressure sensor related to temperature problems are highlighted and the suitable design changes are recommended to aid the future design.

Design/methodology/approach

The design of ECDS-based pressure sensor is aimed to provide non-contact transduction to overcome the limitations of the strain gauge type of pressure sensor. The ECDS is designed and fabricated with two configurations to measure deflection of the diaphragm corresponding to the applied pressure. The fabricated ECDS is calibrated using a standard micro meter to ensure transduction within limits. The fabricated prototypes of pressure sensors are calibrated using dead weight tester, and the calibration results are analyzed to select the best configuration. The proposed pressure sensor is tested at different temperatures, and the test results are analyzed to provide recommendations to overcome the shortcomings.

Findings

The performance of the different configurations of the pressure sensor using ECDS is evaluated using the calibration data. The analysis of the calibration results indicates that the pressure sensor using ECDS (coil-B) with the diaphragm as target is the best configuration. The accuracy of the fabricated pressure sensor with best configuration is ±2.8 per cent and the full scale (FS) output is 3.8 KHz. The designed non-contact transduction method extends the operating temperature of the pressure sensor up to 150°C with the specified accuracy for the short period.

Originality/value

Most studies of eddy current sensing coil focus on the displacement and position measurement but not on the pressure measurement. This paper is concerned with the design of the pressure sensor using ECDS to realize the non-contact transduction to overcome the limitations of strain gauge type pressure sensors and evaluation of the fabricated prototypes. It is shown that the accuracy of the proposed pressure sensor is not affected by the high temperature for the short period due to non-contact transduction using ECDS.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 38 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 January 2021

Ruolong Qi, Yuangui Tang and Ke Zhang

For some special manipulators such as the ones work at the space station, nuclear or some other unmanned environments, the overload, collision, vibration, temperature change or…

Abstract

Purpose

For some special manipulators such as the ones work at the space station, nuclear or some other unmanned environments, the overload, collision, vibration, temperature change or release of the internal stress would affect the structural parameters. And thus the operation precision might constantly decrease in long-term use. In these unmanned environments, the unattended manipulators should calibrate itself when they execute high precision operations or proceed self-maintenances. The purpose of this paper is to propose an automatic visual assistant on-line calibration (AVOC) method based on multi-markers.

Design/methodology/approach

A camera fixed on the end of the manipulator is used to measure one to three identification points, which forms an unstable multi-sensor eye-in-hand system. A Gaussian motion method which combines the linear quadratic regulator control and extended Kalman filter together is proposed to make the manipulator track the planned trajectories when its inaccurate structural parameters form uncertain motion errors. And a Monte-Carlo method is proposed to form a high precision and stable signal acquisition when the visual system has measurement errors and intermittent signal feedback. An automatic sampling process is adopted to select the optimal measurement points basing on their variances.

Findings

Data analysis and experiment results prove the efficiency and feasibility of the method proposed in this paper. With this method, the positioning accuracy is largely promoted from about 2 mm to 0.04–0.05 mm.

Originality/value

Experiments were carried out successfully on a manipulator in a life sciences glove box that will work at the Chinese space station. It is a low cost and efficient manipulator calibration method. The whole autonomic calibration process takes less than 10 min and requires no human intervention. In addition, this method not only can be used in the calibration of other unmanned articulated manipulator that works in deep ocean, nuclear industry or space but also be useful for the maintenance work in modern factories owing a lot of industrial robots.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 48 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 1988

THE conflicting but ever increasing demands made upon industry for improvements in quality, together with reductions in production costs, extends to aircraft manufacture. Whilst…

Abstract

THE conflicting but ever increasing demands made upon industry for improvements in quality, together with reductions in production costs, extends to aircraft manufacture. Whilst manufacturing standards in the aircraft industry are essentially very high, competition in the world market has become very intense. As a result, aircraft manufacturers are constantly seeking improvements in production techniques. A high precision optical co‐ordinate measuring system recently supplied by the L.K. Tool Company Ltd., is enabling a British aircraft manufacturer to achieve massive reductions in jig calibration times.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 60 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 23 January 2023

Junshan Hu, Jie Jin, Yueya Wu, Shanyong Xuan and Wei Tian

Aircraft structures are mainly connected by riveting joints, whose quality and mechanical performance are directly determined by vertical accuracy of riveting holes. This paper…

Abstract

Purpose

Aircraft structures are mainly connected by riveting joints, whose quality and mechanical performance are directly determined by vertical accuracy of riveting holes. This paper proposed a combined vertical accuracy compensation method for drilling and riveting of aircraft panels with great variable curvatures.

Design/methodology/approach

The vertical accuracy compensation method combines online and offline compensation categories in a robot riveting and drilling system. The former category based on laser ranging is aimed to correct the vertical error between actual and theoretical riveting positions, and the latter based on model curvature is used to correct the vertical error caused by the approximate plane fitting in variable-curvature panels.

Findings

The vertical accuracy compensation method is applied in an automatic robot drilling and riveting system. The result reveals that the vertical accuracy error of drilling and riveting is within 0.4°, which meets the requirements of the vertical accuracy in aircraft assembly.

Originality/value

The proposed method is suitable for improving the vertical accuracy of drilling and riveting on panels or skins of aerospace products with great variable curvatures without introducing extra measuring sensors.

Details

Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing and Special Equipment, vol. 4 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2633-6596

Keywords

1 – 10 of 491