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Article
Publication date: 29 February 2024

Heng Liu, Yonghua Lu, Haibo Yang, Lihua Zhou and Qiang Feng

In the context of fixed-wing aircraft wing assembly, there is a need for a rapid and precise measurement technique to determine the center distance between two double-hole…

Abstract

Purpose

In the context of fixed-wing aircraft wing assembly, there is a need for a rapid and precise measurement technique to determine the center distance between two double-hole components. This paper aims to propose an optical-based spatial point distance measurement technique using the spatial triangulation method. The purpose of this paper is to design a specialized measurement system, specifically a spherically mounted retroreflector nest (SMR nest), equipped with two laser displacement sensors and a rotary encoder as the core to achieve accurate distance measurements between the double holes.

Design/methodology/approach

To develop an efficient and accurate measurement system, the paper uses a combination of laser displacement sensors and a rotary encoder within the SMR nest. The system is designed, implemented and tested to meet the requirements of precise distance measurement. Software and hardware components have been developed and integrated for validation.

Findings

The optical-based distance measurement system achieves high precision at 0.04 mm and repeatability at 0.02 mm within a range of 412.084 mm to 1,590.591 mm. These results validate its suitability for efficient assembly processes, eliminating repetitive errors in aircraft wing assembly.

Originality/value

This paper proposes an optical-based spatial point distance measurement technique, as well as a unique design of a SMR nest and the introduction of two novel calibration techniques, all of which are validated by the developed software and hardware platform.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 44 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 June 2012

M. Yasin, H.A. Rahman, N. Bidin, S.W. Harun and H. Ahmad

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a simple design of a fiber optic displacement sensor using a multimode plastic fiber coupler based on reflective intensity modulation…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a simple design of a fiber optic displacement sensor using a multimode plastic fiber coupler based on reflective intensity modulation technique.

Design/methodology/approach

The performances of this sensor are investigated by correlating the detector output with different light sources, coupling ratios and various real objects with different reflectivity properties namely aluminum, brass and copper. In contrast to the output profile produced by probes with multiple fibers placed adjacently together, this sensor uses only one fiber for sending and receiving the light and therefore only the back slope exists.

Findings

Aluminum exhibit the highest performance among the real objects when coupled with a red He‐Ne laser and a coupling ratio of 50:50 with a sensitivity, linear range, resolution and dynamic range of 1.7 mV/mm, 1.5 mm, 16 μm, and 5.0 mm, respectively.

Originality/value

This is the first demonstration of a fiber optic displacement sensor using fiber coupler probe with successful examination of the correlation between the detector output, variation in coupling ratios and reflectivity properties of the tested real objects.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 32 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 August 2019

Xiaobin Xu, Minzhou Luo, Zhiying Tan, Min Zhang and Hao Yang

This paper aims to investigate the effect of unknown noise parameters of Kalman filter on velocity and displacement and to enhance the measured accuracy using adaptive Kalman…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effect of unknown noise parameters of Kalman filter on velocity and displacement and to enhance the measured accuracy using adaptive Kalman filter with particle swarm optimization algorithm.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel method based on adaptive Kalman filter is proposed. Combined with the displacement measurement model, the standard Kalman filtering algorithm is established. The particle swarm optimization algorithm fused with Kalman is used to obtain the optimal noise parameter estimation using different fitness function.

Findings

The simulations and experimental results show that the adaptive Kalman filter algorithm fused with particle swarm optimization can improve the accuracy of the velocity and displacement.

Originality/value

The adaptive Kalman filter algorithm fused with particle swarm optimization can serve as a new method for optimal state estimation of moving target.

Details

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

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 5 September 2016

Mario Rosario Chiarelli, Vincenzo Binante, Stefano Botturi, Andrea Massai, Jan Kunzmann, Angelo Colbertaldo and Diego Giuseppe Romano

The purpose of this study concerns numerical studies and experimental validation of the mechanical behavior of hybrid specimens. These kinds of composite specimens are made up of…

1132

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study concerns numerical studies and experimental validation of the mechanical behavior of hybrid specimens. These kinds of composite specimens are made up of thin carbon and glass substrates on which some Macro Fiber Composite® (MFC) piezoelectric patches are glued. A proper design and manufacturing of the hybrid specimens as well as testing activities have been performed. The research activity has been carried out under the FutureWings project, funded by the European Commission within the 7th Framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the basic assumptions made to define specimen geometries and to carry out experimental tests. Finite element (FE) results and experimental data (laser technique measurements) have been compared: it shows very good agreement for the displacements’ distribution along the specimens.

Findings

Within the objectives of the project, the study of passive and active deformation characteristics of the hybrid composite material has provided reference technical data and has allowed for the correct adaptation of the FE models. More in particular, using the hybrid specimens, both the bending deformations and the torsion deformations have been studied.

Practical implications

The deformation capability of the hybrid specimens will be used in the development of prototypical three-dimensional structures, that, through the electrical control of the MFC patches, will be able to change the curvature of their cross section or will be able to change the angle of torsion along their longitudinal axis.

Originality/value

The design of nonstandard specimens and the tests executed represent a novelty in the field of structures using piezoelectric actuators. The numerical and experimental data of the present research constitute a small step forward in the field of smart materials technology.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 88 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 March 2017

Zeguang Yi, Nan Pan, Yi Liu and Yu Guo

This paper aims to reduce and eliminate the abnormal peaks which, because of the reflection in the process of laser detection, make it easier to proceed with further analysis.

123

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to reduce and eliminate the abnormal peaks which, because of the reflection in the process of laser detection, make it easier to proceed with further analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

To solve the above problem, an abnormal data correction algorithm based on histogram, K-Means clustering and improved robust locally weighted scatter plot smoothing (LOWESS) is put forward. The proposed algorithm does section leveling for shear plant first and then applies histogram to define the abnormal fluctuation data between the neighboring points and utilizes a K-Means clustering to eliminate the abnormal data. After that, the improved robust LOWESS method, which is based on Euclidean distance, is used to remove the noise interference and finally obtain the waveform characteristics for next data processing.

Findings

The experiment result of liner tool mark laser test data correction demonstrates the accuracy and reliability of the proposed algorithm.

Originality/value

The study enables the following points: the detection signal automatic leveling; abnormal data identification and demarcation using K-Means clustering and histogram; and data smoothing using LOWESS.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 34 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 July 2019

Nikola Lukic and Petar B. Petrovic

Stiffness control of redundant robot arm, aimed at using extra degrees of freedom (DoF) to shape the robot tool center point (TCP) elastomechanical behavior to be consistent with…

Abstract

Purpose

Stiffness control of redundant robot arm, aimed at using extra degrees of freedom (DoF) to shape the robot tool center point (TCP) elastomechanical behavior to be consistent with the essential requirements needed for a successful part mating process, i.e., to mimic part supporting mechanism with selective quasi-isotropic compliance (Remote Center of Compliance – RCC), with additional properties of inherent flexibility.

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretical analysis and synthesis of the complementary projector for null-space stiffness control of kinematically redundant robot arm. Practical feasibility of the proposed approach was proven by extensive computer simulations and physical experiments, based on commercially available 7 DoF SIA 10 F Yaskawa articulated robot arm, equipped with the open-architecture control system, system for generating excitation force, dedicated sensory system for displacement measurement and a system for real-time acquisition of sensory data.

Findings

Simulation experiments demonstrated convergence and stability of the proposed complementary projector. Physical experiments demonstrated that the proposed complementary projector can be implemented on the commercially available anthropomorphic redundant arm upgraded with open-architecture control system and that this projector has the capacity to efficiently affect the task-space TCP stiffness of the robot arm, with a satisfactory degree of consistency with the behavior obtained in the simulation experiments.

Originality/value

A novel complementary projector was synthesized based on the adopted objective function. Practical verification was conducted using computer simulations and physical experiments. For the needs of physical experiments, an adequate open-architecture control system was developed and upgraded through the implementation of the proposed complementary projector and an adequate system for generating excitation and measuring displacement of the robot TCP. Experiments demonstrated that the proposed complementary projector for null-space stiffness control is capable of producing the task-space TCP stiffness, which can satisfy the essential requirements needed for a successful part-mating process, thus allowing the redundant robot arm to mimic the RCC supporting mechanism behavior in a programmable manner.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 39 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 May 2018

Wenlong Liu, Yongxing Guo, Li Xiong and Yi Kuang

The purpose of this paper is to present the latest sensing structure designs and principles of information detection of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) displacement sensors. Research…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the latest sensing structure designs and principles of information detection of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) displacement sensors. Research advance and the future work in this field have been described, with the background that displacement and deformation measurements are universal and crucial for structural health monitoring.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyzes and summarizes the existing FBG displacement sensing technologies from two aspects principle of information detection (wavelength detection, spectral bandwidth detection, light intensity detection, among others) and principle of the sensing elastomer structure design (cantilever beam type, spring type, elastic ring type and other composite structures).

Findings

The current research on developing FBG displacement sensors is mainly focused on the sensing method, the construction and design of the elastic structure and the design of new information detection method. The authors hypothesize that the following research trends will be strengthened in future: temperature compensation technology for FBG displacement sensors based on wavelength detection; a study of more diverse elastic structures; and fiber gratings manufactured with special fibers will greatly improve the performance of sensors.

Originality/value

The latest sensing structure designs and principles of information detection of FBG displacement sensors have been proposed, which could provide important reference for research group.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 39 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 March 2016

Ma Xizhi and Wang Gang

This paper aims to study the mechanism of heat generation in a screw, and investigates the heat flux in the connection screw pair under high frequent oscillation along the axial…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study the mechanism of heat generation in a screw, and investigates the heat flux in the connection screw pair under high frequent oscillation along the axial direction. Heat generated in the screw under high frequent oscillation could be observed in a lot of situations and was significant, and it could cause damage of screw joining and transmission.

Design/methodology/approach

A heat flux model in a screw pair under high frequent oscillation along the axial direction is established. Bulk temperature field in the connected parts is calculated by means of finite element methods. A testing device aimed to temperature rise measurement in a thread pair under high frequent oscillation is built. Temperature rises under different operation conditions are measured.

Findings

The heat flux generated in the screw pair because of friction between the contact surfaces of the screw thread is obtained. The effects of oscillating amplitude and frequency on heat flux are obtained. It is found that amplitude and frequency have a significant influence on the heat generated under high frequent oscillation. The numerical results show good agreement with the numerical results.

Research limitations/implications

This study has some limitations; for example, the friction coefficient and the relative sliding displacement between the thread surfaces need further accurate research.

Practical implications

Heat generated in a screw under high frequent oscillation is very rarely mentioned in previous research papers. The methods used in this paper could be used to evaluate the heat flux and temperature under high frequent oscillations. The temperature could be used to calculate the thermal stress and expansion in the screw thread under high frequent oscillation. The screw connections need to be protected from the damage because of heat stress and from getting loose because of heat expansion of the connected parts.

Originality/value

The mechanisms of heat generation in the screw pair under high frequent oscillation are studied. The model of heat flux in the screw under high frequency oscillation is established, and it could be used to calculate the heat flux under different operating conditions. The transient temperature field of the connected parts is given. A test facility was built and the experiment to measure the temperatures of the bolt and nut was carried out. The results had good agreement.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 68 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1991

A new event held in October 1990 in Nuremberg, Germany, designated Opto7, was intended to combine seven different aspects of the application of electro‐optics, with conferences on…

Abstract

A new event held in October 1990 in Nuremberg, Germany, designated Opto7, was intended to combine seven different aspects of the application of electro‐optics, with conferences on each topic with an exhibition embracing them all. At the exhibition, three items of technology stood out (considered from the sensing aspect).

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 11 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Article
Publication date: 13 June 2019

Wei Xia, Lingwen Kong, Jiahuan Zhang, Hui Hao, Yiping Wang, Xiaoqi Ni, Ming Wang and Dongmei Guo

The purpose of this study aims to modify a self-mixing laser mouse as an extremely cost-effective displacement sensor to measure the mechanical oscillation of a commercial shaker…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study aims to modify a self-mixing laser mouse as an extremely cost-effective displacement sensor to measure the mechanical oscillation of a commercial shaker and a nano-positioning stage.

Design/methodology/approach

This kind of laser mouse, mostly consisting of a pair of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers, two photodiodes and an integrated signal processing unit, is capable of directly giving the x-axis and y-axis components of the measured vibrating displacement. Based on the laser self-mixing interference, the velocity of the object is coded into the Doppler frequency shift of the feedback light, which allows accurate determination of the vibration of the object.

Findings

A commercial shaker has been used to provide standard harmonic oscillation to test the displacement sensor. Within a vibrating frequency range of 110 Hz, the experimental results show that the micrometer scale resolution has been achieved at the velocity of up to 2 m/s, which is much improved compared with the image-based optical mouse. Furthermore, the measurements of the two dimensional displacement of a nano-positioning stage are performed as well. The minimum measurable velocity limit for this sensor has been discussed in detail, and the relative measurement error can be greatly reduced by appropriate selection of the modulation frequency of the triangular injection current.

Originality/value

These results demonstrate the feasibility of this device for the industrial vibration sensing applications.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 39 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

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