The aim of the subject is to provide the student with the ability to use measurement methods in lab work throughout the course and in professional life.
Measurement Characteristics: Measurement error; systematic and random, sources and possible fixes. Static characteristics; accuracy, precision, resolution and sensitivity. Dynamic characteristics; zero order, first order, second order response. Damping, response time, settling time.
Measurement Systems: Functional elements of a measurement system; sensors, signal conditioning, data display/ recording. Thermistors, strain gauges, Wheatstone bridge circuit, variable area capacitors, piezoelectric accelerometer, thermocouples.
Measurement Instrumentation: Vernier calipers, Micrometer screw gauge, calibration of the micrometer to BS 870, metric gauge blocks.
Angular Measurement: Background theory of precision balls and rollers. Sine bar.
Limit Gauges: Inspection vs measurement. Taylor's theory of gauging, manufacturing tolerances, wear allowance. Pin gauges, gap gauges.
Background Theory of Limits and Fits: Hole-based systems, Shaft based systems, BS4500. Clearance fit, transition fit and interference fit.
Precision Measurement Instrumentation: Operation principles of Optical Profile Projector (OPP), Surface measuring equipment, Laser Micrometer and Coordinate Measuring machine (CMM).
