Fiber optic sensing for NDE and process control

Conference · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1989

OSTI ID:6004263

Smith, J. A.; Johnson, J. A.; Carlson, N. M.; Barna, B. A.

Many optical techniques are being developed for the inspection of completed parts and for the sensing of manufacturing processes as part of process control schemes. Optical techniques are attractive because of their noncontacting nature and their ability to obtain information from a hazardous environment. However, many of these techniques currently require delicate alignment and calibration, which make them impractical outside the laboratory. In addition, the methods themselves may be hazardous if beams of high intensity laser light are used in the sensing process. The application of fiber optics to laser sensing techniques has the potential to make them more practical and safer in an industrial environment. This paper discusses three optical techniques which use fiber-optic technology to make then more robust and safe. The first uses fibers to deliver pulse laser light for a vision system which is capable of viewing high luminosity processes. The second also uses fibers to deliver pulsed laser light, but for the purpose of generating ultrasound in a region where a normal ultrasonic transducer could not be used. The third application uses fibers in the arms of a heterodyne interferometer which can be used to detect vibrations or ultrasonic waves. 12 refs., 6 figs.

• Research Organization: EG and G Idaho, Inc., Idaho Falls (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC07-76ID01570
• OSTI ID: 6004263
• Report Number(s): EGG-M-88355; CONF-8905107-3; ON: DE89010976
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320303* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Industrial & Agricultural Processes-- Equipment & Processes
440300 -- Miscellaneous Instruments-- (-1989)
47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION
CALIBRATION
CONTROL
EFFICIENCY
FIBER OPTICS
FIBERS
INSPECTION
LASERS
MATERIALS TESTING
NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING
OPTICAL FIBERS
PROCESS CONTROL
TESTING