A Compact LIF Spectrometer for in-Field Operation in Polar Environments

We present a compact laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectrometer prototype (SFIDA–405) designed for in-field operation in polar environments. It uses 405 nm excitation to acquire LIF spectra in the 450–930 nm spectral range on a solid surface via an optical-fiber coupled measurement head. The prototype (battery powered; module + measurement head weight: <1.6 kg) is controlled via a military-grade smartphone and has a limit of detection for chlorophyll better than 5 ng/cm2. The instrument was successfully tested during two summer field campaigns in the Arctic (Svalbard Islands) and Antarctic (Southern Victoria Land) regions for studying biological soil crusts. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this represents the first LIF spectrometer used in situ in Antarctica to acquire LIF spectra directly on biological soil crusts. Finally, the paper also suggests the use of the SFIDA–405 prototype for different application fields.

Simultaneous Measurement of 6DOF Motion Errors of Linear Guides of CNC Machine Tools Using Different Modes

Based on the prior work on the six degrees of freedom (6DOF) motion errors measurement system for linear axes, and for the different types of machine tools and different installation methods, this study used a ray tracing idea to establish the measurement models for two different measurement modes: (1) the measurement head is fixed and the target mirror moves and (2) the target mirror is fixed and the measurement head moves. Several experiments were performed on the same linear guide using two different measurement modes. The comparative experiments show that the two measurement modes and their corresponding measurement models are correct and effective. In the actual measurement process, it is therefore possible to select the corresponding measurement model according to the measurement mode. Furthermore, the correct motion error evaluation results can be obtained.

Flexible Head, Designed for Measuring Residual Stress along Variable Curves Using Ultra-Sonic Tranducers

Ultra-sonic measure of residual stress has been along for a while. One main drawback of this technique is the need for a measuring head adapted to each new surface shape. We introduce a new measurement head designed to adapt to changing curves. This device will open the possibility of curved surfaces residual stress cartography. We focus on the device geometric design, its possibilities and limitations.

An Experimental Study on the Friction Stir Processing Process of Aluminium Alloy

The effect of rotational and travelling speeds and down force on the torque in Friction Stir Processing (FSP) process are presented. To find a dependence combining the spindle torque acting on the tool with the rotational speed, travelling speed and the down force, the artificial neural networks have been applied. Studies have shown that the increase in the rotational speed causes decrease in the torque while the increase in the travelling speed and down force causes the increase in the torque at the same time. The relationship between parameters of the process and the temperature of the tool, based on measurement head TermSTIR, were presented. Tests were conducted on casting aluminium alloy AlSi9Mg. Application of FSP process resulted in a decrease in the porosity in the modified material and microstructure refining

3DMADMAC|AUTOMATED: synergistic hardware and software solution for automated 3D digitization of cultural heritage objects

In this article a fully automated 3D shape measurement system and data processing algorithms are presented. Main purpose of this system is to automatically (without any user intervention) and rapidly (at least ten times faster than manual measurement) digitize whole object’s surface with some limitations to its properties: maximum measurement volume is described as a cylinder with 2,8m height and 0,6m radius, maximum object's weight is 2 tons. Measurement head is automatically calibrated by the system for chosen working volume (from 120mm x 80mm x 60mm and ends up to 1,2m x 0,8m x 0,6m). Positioning of measurement head in relation to measured object is realized by computer-controlled manipulator. The system is equipped with two independent collision detection modules to prevent damaging measured object with moving sensor’s head. Measurement process is divided into three steps. First step is used for locating any part of object’s surface in assumed measurement volume. Second step is related to calculation of "next best view" position of measurement head on the base of existing 3D scans. Finally small holes in measured 3D surface are detected and measured. All 3D data processing (filtering, ICP based fitting and final views integration) is performed automatically. Final 3D model is created on the base of user specified parameters like accuracy of surface representation and/or density of surface sampling. In the last section of the paper, exemplary measurement result of two objects: biscuit (from the collection of Museum Palace at Wilanów) and Roman votive altar (Lower Moesia, II-III AD) are presented.