Advantages of High Tolerance Measurements in Fusion Environments Applying Photogrammetry
Authors: T. Dodson, R. Ellis, C. Priniski, S. Raftopoulos, D. Stevens, M. Viola
Abstract:
Photogrammetry, a state-of-the-art technique of metrology employing digital photographs as the vehicle for
measurement, has been investigated in the fusion environment. Benefits of this high tolerance methodology include relatively easy deployment for multiple point measurements and deformation/distortion studies. Depending on the equipment used, photogrammetric systems can reach tolerances of 25 microns (0.001 in) to 100 microns (0.004 in) on a 3-meter object. During the fabrication and assembly of the National Compact Stellarator Experiment (NCSX) the primary measurement systems deployed were CAD coordinate-based computer metrology equipment and supporting algorithms such as both interferometer-aided (IFM) and absolute distance measurementbased (ADM) laser trackers, as well as portable Coordinate Measurement Machine (CMM) arms. Photogrammetry was employed at NCSX as a quick and easy tool to monitor coil distortions incurred during welding operations of the machine assembly process and as a way to reduce assembly downtime for metrology processes.
__________________________________________________
Presented at: 23rd Symposium on Fusion Engineering, San Diego, CA May 31-June 4, 2009
__________________________________________________
Download PPPL-4450 (pdf 191 KB 4 pp)
__________________________________________________