SENSORS & SENSING SYSTEMS FEATURE
Sensing the need for speed Sensors and measurement equipment from Micro-Epsilon have been used
throughout the testing and production stages of the BLOODHOUND SSC, which made its first public run last October at the Aerohub in Newquay
W
hen BLOODHOUND SSC made its first public run at Newquay’s
Aerohub last October, not only did it need to drive successfully but these runway trials were part of tests to prove the vehicle could withstand the extreme operation conditions it would be facing. In particular, hundreds of on-vehicle sensors were being tested to ensure that they were performing correctly. As a Product Sponsor, Micro-Epsilon UK has supplied a variety of high precision sensors and measurement systems which have been used throughout the testing and production stages of the project. In one example, in 2014 the company
supplied 15 laser displacement sensors from its optoNCDT series, plus a thermoIMAGER TIM 450 compact, high resolution, infrared imaging camera, for wheel spin tests at speeds up to 10,500rpm. The tests, which took place at Rolls-Royce’s facility in Derby, were carried out on the first of the BLOODHOUND machine’s four solid aluminium wheels. This was the highest ever rpm recorded on the test rig. The objective was to verify that the
growth (expansion), temperature increase (due to air friction) and vibration of the wheel were within expected, safe limits, and whether these test results would closely match the BLOODHOUND team’s own predictions using computer simulation and FEA software.
TESTING TIMES The laser displacement sensors were set up on the test rig to measure the radial and axial run out of the aerospace-grade aluminium wheel as it rotated at speeds of up to 1,100mph (the wheels will travel at speeds up to 1,000mph during the supersonic machine’s record breaking attempt). These sensor types were also set up to measure the thermal expansion of the frame that runs across the top of
the test rig (i.e. for test rig calibration purposes). Four optoNCDT 1402 laser sensors were mounted underneath the rig in a confined space to measure the run out, alignment and any other movements of the test rig, including the steel hub that the wheel was mounted to. The thermal imaging camera was located
in a confined space underneath the test rig to monitor the temperature of the entire wheel during the spin test. During the test, the wheel was
successfully spun to 10,429rpm, or 174 revolutions per second. The results were similar to the team’s predictions: the expansion of the wheel’s 902.6mm diameter by 1.6mm was as expected, as was the ‘dishing’ of the wheel caused by a variation in expansion rates between the aluminium material of the wheel and the steel hub. According to the BLOODHOUND team, the empirical data collected during the test will be used to fine-tune the computer simulations, delivering a more optimum wheel design. In addition to this, Micro-Epsilon UK also
Micro-Epsilon UK has supplied a variety of technology for use during testing of the BLOODHOUND SSC, including laser
displacement sensors and a thermal imaging camera
supplied non-contact laser displacement sensors for tests which took place at the Jaguar Land Rover Gaydon Centre in Warwickshire in 2015. The company’s optoNCDT 1700 high speed sensor, which was mounted to the chassis of a Jaguar XF test vehicle with the laser window pointing down towards the ground, accurately measured and monitored the ride height of the car. Using this sensor enabled the
BLOODHOUND SSC team to adjust the suspension characteristics in order to optimise the performance of the car. For the tests, two optoNCDT 1700 laser displacement sensors were mounted side-by-side to an adapted tow bar at the rear of the Jaguar. The optoNCDT 1700 series of laser displacement sensors will be used for the actual BLOODHOUND SSC record attempt, the company adds.
Micro-Epsilon UK T: 0151 355 6070
www.micro-epsilon.co.uk
PROTOTYPE SENSOR NETWORK BENEFITS UK STEEL PLANT
Researchers at the University of Huddersfield have developed a new sensor system which could help ensure Tata Steel’s Port Talbot plant (the largest steel plant in the UK) gains better advanced warning of problems in its electricity substations. A prototype has already been installed. The Partial Discharge Wireless Sensor Network consists of radio sensors deployed around a substation,
which report the levels of partial discharge to a central hub that is connected via a gateway to the internet. Partial discharges are very small sparks that occur within insulation in high voltage equipment. These radiate electro-magnetic radio waves and the system picks these up with broadband radio receivers, constantly monitoring the insulation health in a substation. The status of the insulation can therefore be monitored remotely and instantly at any time via devices such as smartphones. The system is being developed by Ian Glover, professor of Radio Science and Wireless Systems Engineering
at the University, and his colleagues. He commented: “Now we are hoping to work with Tata Steel in order to extend the number of sensors so that the network covers all of their high-voltage assets.” Glover estimates that around 100 sensors will be required for the two substations and other switchgear on the site. If Tata Steel fully embraces the new technology, it would be pioneering a highly adaptable
monitoring system which could be used in a vast range of industries. University of Huddersfield
www.hud.ac.uk
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DESIGN SOLUTIONS | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018
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