scholarly journals A Precision Grinding Technology for Zirconium Alloy Tubes Based on Ultrasonic Wall Thickness Automatic Measurement System

Author(s):  
Lai Zou ◽  
Heng Li ◽  
Wenxi WANG ◽  
Yun Huang ◽  
Yutong Li

Abstract To ensure the safety and long-term performance of nuclear fuel cladding zirconium tubes, the wall thickness uniformity of each cross section is strictly needed. Therefore, this paper presents comprehensive investigations on development of an automatic ultrasonic wall thickness measurement system for detecting the nuclear zirconium tubes. Based on the determination of overall scheme, optimization of key mechanical structures and design of control system, a series of performance testing analyses of this developed auto-measuring system were performed from aspects of measuring accuracy, measuring efficiency, stability and practicability. The results revealed that it could accurately obtain the wall thickness distribution and effectively guide the subsequent grinding process by automatically generated deviation correcting procedures to achieve the requirement of the wall thickness uniformity. The new combination method of ultrasonic auto-measuring and numerical control grinding proposed in this work would have a great significance for the development and application of nuclear reaction zirconium alloy container.

2009 ◽  
Vol 628-629 ◽  
pp. 617-622 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lian Fa Yang ◽  
Feng Jun Chen

Based on the finite element simulation of tube-hydroforming process with pulsating internal pressure, the influence of the pressure increment p and the time increment t of the pulsating pressure upon the formability of a tube have been investigated by analyzing and comparing the four formability indicators such as thickness distribution, die-filling ability, wall thickness uniformity and potential fracturing. A new indicator f is proposed to estimate the formability of a tube on the basis of the finite element analysis (FEA). The results show that: the indicator f can reasonably reflect the combination formability of a tube in hydroforming including the die-filling ability, the wall-thickness uniformity and the deformation reliability; the p and t values have different influence on the four formability indicators as mentioned above; the smaller the p and t values or the more the internal pressure pulsates during the forming process, the better the combination formability of the tube would be.


Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (14) ◽  
pp. 4852
Author(s):  
Grzegorz Bomba ◽  
Artur Ornat ◽  
Piotr Gierlak

The article discusses the quality testing of a measuring system consisting of a CNC machine with measuring probes. The research was conducted in a broader context regarding the implementation of the closed door technology, i.e., production without human intervention, in an aviation plant manufacturing aircraft gearbox systems. This technology may involve automated measuring operations performed in machining centers, and not in measuring laboratories, provided that the quality of the measurements is appropriate. The aim of the study was to investigate whether the CNC machining device can be used to measure the geometric features of aircraft gearbox housing. For this purpose, measurement experiments were carried out with the use of three different probes. Measurements were carried out using four sequences of increasing complexity, so that, after error analysis, it was possible to find the causes of possible irregularities. A reference ring with known dimensions and position in the working space of the machine was used for the measurements performed as part of the assessment of the measurement system. The quality of the measurements was evaluated with the use of repeatability and reproducibility testing and statistical process control. The analysis results showed that the tested measurement system ensures adequate accuracy and repeatability, and the measurement process is characterized with adequate efficiency in relation to the manufacturing tolerance of the components produced using the machine. Thus, it was proven that the measurement process can be carried out on a machining device, which enables its integration into the closed door technology.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 4487
Author(s):  
Maghsoud Amiri ◽  
Mohammad Hashemi-Tabatabaei ◽  
Mohammad Ghahremanloo ◽  
Mehdi Keshavarz-Ghorabaee ◽  
Edmundas Kazimieras Zavadskas ◽  
...  

Evaluating the life cycle of buildings is a valuable tool for assessing sustainability and analyzing environmental consequences throughout the construction operations of buildings. In this study, in order to determine the importance of building life cycle evaluation indicators, a new combination method was used based on a quantitative-qualitative method (QQM) and a simplified best-worst method (SBWM). The SBWM method was used because it simplifies BWM calculations and does not require solving complex mathematical models. Reducing the time required to perform calculations and eliminating the need for complicated computer software are among the advantages of the proposed method. The QQM method has also been used due to its ability to evaluate quantitative and qualitative criteria simultaneously. The feasibility and applicability of the SBWM were examined using three numerical examples and a case study, and the results were evaluated. The results of the case study showed that the criteria of the estimated cost, comfort level, and basic floor area were, in order, the most important criteria among the others. The results of the numerical examples and the case study showed that the proposed method had a lower total deviation (TD) compared to the basic BWM. Sensitivity analysis results also confirmed that the proposed approach has a high degree of robustness for ranking and weighting criteria.


Author(s):  
Bryan W. Schlake ◽  
Brian S. Daniel ◽  
Ron Voorheis

In pursuit of improved safety, Norfolk Southern Corp. (NS) has partnered with Amberg Technologies to explore the potential benefits of a laser-based measurement system for measuring over dimensional freight rail shipments. Shipments that do not fall within a standard geometric envelope, denoted as Plate B in the Association of American Railroads (AAR) Open Top Loading Rules [1], are considered to be over dimensional, or High-Wide Loads (HWLs). Extending beyond the limits of the Plate B diagram, these loads are not permitted in unrestricted interchange service. Instead, they must be measured both at points of origin and at interchange points. For US Class I Railroads, the de facto method for measuring HWLs requires mechanical personnel to either climb on the equipment or use a ladder and physically measure the overall height and width of the load. Using a tape measure, plumb line, and 6-foot level, car inspectors, or carmen, must often make multiple measurements to determine the height or width of a critical point on the load. The summation of these measurements can be subject to mathematical human error. In addition to the inherent limitations with regards to accuracy and efficiency, this method of measurement presents considerable safety challenges. The objective of the project was to develop a portable, cost-effective and accurate measurement system to improve the day-to-day operational process of measuring HWLs and reduce human exposure to railyard hazards. Norfolk Southern worked closely with Amberg Technologies to provide a clear overview of the current measuring methods, requirements, challenges and risks associated with HWLs. Amberg then developed a prototype system (with patent pending) and successful tests have been completed at both a point of origin for NS shipments and at a location where HWLs are received at interchange. The measuring system consists of a tripod mounted laser, a specially designed track reference target (TRT) and software designed specifically for HWL measurements. The system allows car inspectors to take measurements from a safe, strategic location away from the car. As a result, this system eliminates the need to climb on the equipment or a ladder and greatly reduces the amount of time spent on and around live tracks. In addition, initial tests indicate that this technology reduces the labor time required to measure HWLs by as much as one half while improving measurement accuracy. These tests have demonstrated that a laser-based system has the potential to greatly improve the safety, efficiency and accuracy associated with measuring HWLs.


2012 ◽  
Vol 565 ◽  
pp. 662-667
Author(s):  
Yun Huang ◽  
Yong Sheng Chen ◽  
Wei Wan ◽  
Cao Yong Tang ◽  
Ming De Zhang

This paper introduces an automatic ultrasonic wall thickness measurement system, which adopts the way that the tube billet is partially immersed in the water during the measurement, applied in wall abrasive grinding of nuclear fuel encrust tube billet. Meanwhile, the main components of the measurement system, as well as their characters and functions, are addressed. What’s more, the analysis of the factors, which influencing the system stability and measuring reliability, are also conducted, coupling with the system stability and measuring reliability demonstration.


Author(s):  
Agus Sudianto ◽  
Zamberi Jamaludin ◽  
Azrul Azwan Abdul Rahman ◽  
Sentot Novianto ◽  
Fajar Muharrom

Manufacturing process of metal part requires real-time temperature monitoring capability to ensure high surface integrity is upheld throughout the machining process. A smart temperature measurement and monitoring system for manufacturing process of metal parts is necessary to meet quality and productivity requirements. A smart temperature measurement can be applied in machining processes of conventional, non-conventional and computer numerical control (CNC) machines. Currently, an infrared fusion based thermometer Fluke Ti400 was employed for temperature measurement in a machining process. However, measured temperature in the form of data list with adjustable time range setting is not automatically linked to the computer for continuous monitoring and data analysis purposes. For this reason, a smart temperature measurement system was developed for a CNC milling operation on aluminum alloy (AA6041) using a MLX90614 infrared thermometer sensor operated by Arduino. The system enables data linkages with the computer because MLX90614 is compatible and linked to Microsoft Exel via the Arduino. This paper presents a work-study on the performance of this Arduino based temperature measurement system for dry milling process application. Here, the Arduino based temperature measurement system captured the workpiece temperature during machining of Aluminum Alloy (AA6041) and data were compared with the Fluke Ti400 infrared thermometer. Measurement results from both devices showed similar accuracy level with a deviation of ± 2 oC. Hence, a smart temperature measurement system was succeesfully developed expanding the scopes of current system setup.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason M. Acosta ◽  
Anne F. Cayron ◽  
Nicolas Dupuy ◽  
Graziano Pelli ◽  
Bernard Foglia ◽  
...  

Background: The circle of Willis is a network of arteries allowing blood supply to the brain. Bulging of these arteries leads to formation of intracranial aneurysm (IA). Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) due to IA rupture is among the leading causes of disability in the western world. The formation and rupture of IAs is a complex pathological process not completely understood. In the present study, we have precisely measured aneurysmal wall thickness and its uniformity on histological sections and investigated for associations between IA wall thickness/uniformity and commonly admitted risk factors for IA rupture.Methods: Fifty-five aneurysm domes were obtained at the Geneva University Hospitals during microsurgery after clipping of the IA neck. Samples were embedded in paraffin, sectioned and stained with hematoxylin-eosin to measure IA wall thickness. The mean, minimum, and maximum wall thickness as well as thickness uniformity was measured for each IA. Clinical data related to IA characteristics (ruptured or unruptured, vascular location, maximum dome diameter, neck size, bottleneck factor, aspect and morphology), and patient characteristics [age, smoking, hypertension, sex, ethnicity, previous SAH, positive family history for IA/SAH, presence of multiple IAs and diagnosis of polycystic kidney disease (PKD)] were collected.Results: We found positive correlations between maximum dome diameter or neck size and IA wall thickness and thickness uniformity. PKD patients had thinner IA walls. No associations were found between smoking, hypertension, sex, IA multiplicity, rupture status or vascular location, and IA wall thickness. No correlation was found between patient age and IA wall thickness. The group of IAs with non-uniform wall thickness contained more ruptured IAs, women and patients harboring multiple IAs. Finally, PHASES and ELAPSS scores were positively correlated with higher IA wall heterogeneity.Conclusion: Among our patient and aneurysm characteristics of interest, maximum dome diameter, neck size and PKD were the three factors having the most significant impact on IA wall thickness and thickness uniformity. Moreover, wall thickness heterogeneity was more observed in ruptured IAs, in women and in patients with multiple IAs. Advanced medical imaging allowing in vivo measurement of IA wall thickness would certainly improve personalized management of the disease and patient care.


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