Air-bearing LVDT transducer (nd) (Engineering Materials). [Linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) transducer, 4 drawings]
The design of a cartridge-type LVDT (linear variable differential transformer), using a hydrostatic air bearing, is presented. Typically, standard LVDT transducers have a short life; due, mainly, to sticking, which renders the gage head useless. Another characteristic of the standard LVDT is a gaging force of 20 to 30 grams which is sufficient to damage parts made of soft metals such as aluminum or copper. The use of an air bearing permits a gage head movement which is smooth and free of sticking, and an adjustable air-bleed screw permits the gaging force to be varied from 2 to 10 grams. Vacuum assist can be added to permit gaging from either direction and to reduce gaging forces to as low as 0.1 gram. Although not intended to be a universal gaging head, the air-bearing gage head seems to be extremely well suited for some applications, namely: (1) in a dusty environment where the positive-displacement sealing action of the air coming from all openings can prevent dust from entering; (2) in an environment where petroleum-based lubricants are not allowed; (3) on inspection and gaging machines where the installation is semipermanent and the running of air lines is not cumbersome; (4) on gaging materials which are ordinarly damaged by the gaging forces of standard LVDT transducers; and (5) at tool-setting stations for precision NC machines using diamond tools where only the lightest gaging forces are permissible.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant, Tenn. (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 7185086
- Report Number(s):
- CAPE-2324(Rev.1)
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: 4 drawings
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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