Abstract:
A test object is analyzed electronically, i.e. without the use of photographic film. The invention generates a pair of laterally-displaced images of the object which interfere with each other to produce a pattern that can be recorded without a high-resolution detector. The object is illuminated with at least partially coherent light. Reflected light from the object is directed through a birefringent material, a lens system, a polarizer, and then to an image detector, such as a video camera. The birefringent material causes non-parallel beams originating from a unique pair of points on the object to become nearly parallel, and orthogonally polarized. The polarizer modifies the polarization of the parallel beams so that they will interfere with each other. Because the intefering light beams are nearly parallel, the spatial frequency of the interference pattern is sufficiently low that the pattern can be recorded by a low-resolution detector, such as a video camera. Interference patterns due to the superposition of two laterally-displaced images of the same object are recorded while the object is in an undeformed and a deformed state. A computer compares these interference patterns and produces a resultant pattern which depicts the deformation of the test object. Because photographic film is not needed, the invention can analyze objects very rapidly. Also, since the interference pattern is derived from pairs of distinct points on the object, the invention directly provides information on strain.
Abstract:
Apparatus and method for compensating a photo sensor for fiber optic cable lead/connector losses and optical source power fluctuations includes a specially selected broadband optical source used in conjunction with a photoelastic fiber optic transducer that uses a polarizer and an analyzer that only polarize a portion of the broadband signal. The portion of the signal that is not polarized is simply transmitted through the photoelastic element and emerges with no modulation. The portion of the signal that is polarized is modulated according to the stress on the photoelastic element. After transmitting the output light beam through a single fiber optic cable, the beam is separated into two parts. The first part is filtered so as to transmit only that portion of the broadband signal that is not affected by the polarizer and analyzer and hence is not modulated. The filtered first part is converted to an electrical signal by a photo detector. The second part of the split beam is filtered so as to transmit only that portion of the broadband signal that is affected by the polarizer and analyzer, and hence is modulated. The filtered second part is converted to an electrical signal by a second photo detector. The second signal varies according to lead and connector losses and the stress modulation on the photoelastic element. The first signal varies according to lead and connector losses only. The ratio of the second signal to the first signal then provides a measure of the changes in the transmission due to the modulation of the transducer element, without lead and connector losses, or variations due to power source fluctuations.
Abstract:
The invention relates to the measurement of stresses in float glass. In a process, the stresses in the glass are continuously determined by scanning the glass over its entire width and simultaneously measuring the temperature of the glass at each location scanned. A measurement of double refraction representing stresses is combined with the temperature measurement to establish values of the permanent stresses in the glass. The invention includes apparatus for carrying out the process.
Abstract:
In a polariscope including first and second quarter wave plates arranged one on either side of a sample under test, first and second liquid crystal devices are provided adjacent the quarter wave plates and can be switched between two optical conditions to alter the polariscope between a plane polarized and a circularly polarized mode.
Abstract:
A photoelastic sensing device comprising a photoelastic member of transparent material, first means for supplying polarized light fluxes to the member for transmission therethrough along a plurality of respective paths, and second means for receiving and detecting the transmitted light fluxes. A third means applies stresses to the member in response to the application thereto of force which is variable and has a magnitude and direction represented by its components along a plurality of vector coordinates which define a space of at least two dimensions. The light fluxes which are transmitted respectively along the plurality of paths of the member are each responsive to the stresses in the member along its path, and the second means provides an output signal which is responsive to the force and to each of the components of the force applied to the third means. The output signal is representative of and provides a measure and indication of the force and each of its components applied to the sensing device, and is responsive to the magnitude and direction of the applied force for providing control means.
Abstract:
This invention relates to a dynamic photoelasticimeter with a rotating birefringent element. It comprises a laser, a birefringent plate rotatable at a constant speed, a model to be studied, a circular analyzer and a photodetector supplying signals at its output having frequency components of 2.omega. and 4.omega.. The ratio of the amplitudes of these signals supplies an indication of the phase shift .phi. (t) contributed by the model, and the phase of the signal of the frequency 4.omega. contributes information as to the orientation .theta. of the axes of the model at the point in question.The present invention provides a particularly simple and accurate dynamic photoelasticimeter.
Abstract:
A glass ophthalmic lens which has been strengthened by thermal tempering or ion exchange treatment has increased impact resistance and durability, but such strengthening does not alter the appearance of the lens sufficiently to render the presence or absence of strengthening visually ascertainable even by one of high skill. It being necessary to inspect for the presence or absence of strengthening prior to dispensing lenses to the public, the present invention contemplates immersion of the lenses in a transparent liquid of approximately the same refractive index as the material of the lenses and projection of linearly polarized light through the fluid and lens. Viewing of the thus illuminated lens through a light polarizing analyzer reveals readily observable stress patterns in strengthened lenses and a lack of such patterns in non-strengthened lenses.
Abstract:
Fasteners such as mine bolts are provided with tension indicators to directly read tension in the shank of the bolt. The preferred tension indicators comprise an elongated pin disposed in a bore formed in the bolt and connected at the bottom of the bore to the bolt shank to be tensioned thereby. The tension indicator further comprises a cross bar attached to the other end of the pin and extending laterally into engagement with another portion of the bolt, such as the head of the bolt, to be bent upon tensioning of the pin. Preferably, a photoelastic member is attached to the cross bar and bending stresses in the cross bar are manifested in the photoelastic member in the form of photoelastic fringes for reading by a reflection polariscope.