LASERS MEASURE UP FOR THE CAR INDUSTRY

This paper details the use of laser interferometry techniques in automotive engineering. Optical (laser) instruments can provide measurements over extended areas, yielding simultaneous sub-micron scale information about the shape, vibration and deformation of components, including complete car bodies. Laser measurement techniques can be non-contacting and non-destructive and data are captured as an image of the object. This article concentrates on electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI) and related developments in structured-light techniques. The theory of interferometry and the techniques used are described. Some applications include stress analysis of engineered components, used in engine development work: the ESPI system produced for this purpose is detailed. Structured light techniques are used to investigate wind-induced distortion of a convertible soft-top sports car. Further uses include vibration analysis. Potential future developments of the laser measurement systems are considered.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/09538585
• Corporate Authors:

  Institute of Physics Publishing, Limited

  Bristol BS1 6HG,   United Kingdom 
• Authors:
  • Jones, J
  • VALERA, J
  • BUCKBERRY, C
  • TOWERS, D
• Publication Date: 1995-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 33-8
• Serial:
  • PHYSICS WORLD
  • Volume: 8
  • Issue Number: 5
  • Publisher: Institute of Physics Publishing, Limited
  • ISSN: 0953-8585

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobiles; Lasers; Luminous intensity; Manufactures; Measurement; Optical instruments; Physics
• ITRD Terms: 1243: Car; 6772: Laser; 505: Light intensity; 3647: Manufacture; 6136: Measurement; 6782: Optical instrument; 6755: Physics
• Subject Areas: Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00920711
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Mar 6 2002 12:00AM