The indicated value on the displaying device of a digital measuring instrument is usually considered as the resultant of rounding the measurand value to the nearest indication. This hypothesis is conventional and forms the basis of estimating the resolution uncertainty associated with digital indications. However, the essential quantization process needed in converting the measurand analog signal into a digital form makes the precise estimation of the resolution uncertainty shift from the one based on the aforementioned hypothesis. In this study, the effect of the quantization process on the resolution uncertainty was analyzed, a proposed algorithm for the estimation process was presented, and finally the impact of noise presence was considered. Based on the current study, the measurement result usually has a shift from the indicated value. In the presence of noise, the resolution uncertainty of stable indications can be reduced if the peak-to-peak noise could be quantified with adequate accuracy. Also, the current study recommends the revision of the broad applicability of the conventional estimation method of the resolution uncertainty and encourages standardization bodies to specify the main requirements in digital measuring instruments that guarantee their indicating behavior.
Abstract The ultrasonic velocities of both longitudinal and shear waves were measured in thermoplastic discs of poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) as a function of annealing temperatures ranging from 23°C to 95°C (23°C, 45°C, 60°C, 75°C, 80°C, and 95°C). Ultrasonic velocity measurements were taken at 2 MHz ultrasonic frequency using the pulse echo method. From the experimental data, the longitudinal modulus, rigidity, and Young's modulus are derived. Effect of annealing on microhardness of PMMA was studied using ultrasonic pulse echo method as well as mechanical measurements. The critical stress intensity factor was also determined at the same annealing conditions. In all events, the microhardness and the elastic constant are found to be changed at annealed temperature named 80°C.
Force measuring systems (transducers and indicators) are usually used to calibrate force generated systems. Normally, it is not recommended to use load cells to measure forces less than 10% of its nominal capacity, thus, to offer calibration facilities for different ranges, several load cells are required, which may lead to difficulties in handling procedures in addition to the main disadvantage which is the over cost.
Abstract Detecting defects in various industrial products remains a challenging task in the industry. Researchers are constantly working to improve detection techniques and tools for various defects, particularly cracks. Many industrial structures suffer from cracks. The selection of a suitable technique and/or tool is based upon the tested structures and the accuracy of the technique and/or tool. The work's novelty is the development of a fully accurate, simple, and safe ultrasonic tool for precisely scanning cracks. A pen‐shaped cone was added to the ultrasonic transducers to improve their performance. Different crosshead speeds and annealing techniques were used to cause cracks on medium density polyethylene (MDPE) and poly‐methyl‐methacrylate (PMMA) polymer plates with specific dimensions. Cone reduced the front diameter of the transducers from 12 to 2 mm (cone tip diameter). It improved the transducers by giving them new properties such as a small near field, a collimated beam, high sensitivity, and high wave reflection. The modified transducers tracked the cracks at discrete sequential sites, where the ultrasonic velocity was measured to determine the crack speed, critical crack speed, dynamic stress intensity factor, and crack branching phenomenon. Additionally, ultrasonic attenuation was measured in order to accurately determine crack growth behavior, the crack's neck zone, and the crack growth dependency on both plate thickness and annealing. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images revealed crack propagation in polymer plates. The results of ultrasonic testing and SEM evaluations were consistent. This guaranteed that the modified transducers could scan cracks accurately.
Abstract A geogrid is geosynthetic high‐density polyethylene material used to reinforce soils and similar materials. It is valuable tool in transportation and civil construction. Geogrids allow engineers to build where it otherwise would not be possible or would be cost prohibitive using traditional methods. The tensile test of the geogrid is the most important test of this product. ISO 10319 “Geosynthetics‐Wide‐Width tensile test” uses wide‐width specimen 20 mm wide; the gripping of this wide sample is difficult and need special gripping. This study aims to develop and validate a method for testing single‐rib specimen, instead of wide specimen using 150 samples of geogrids, and six different speeds. The statistical analysis of the results showed that testing of single rib at the speed of 100 mm/min (method under validation) gave matched and compatible results of wide‐rib specimen testing at the speed of 25 mm/min (reference method), where the variance value of these two methods is not significant.