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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/R38651/01
Title: Fastener Load Measurement on High Temperature Pressure Vessels: A New Non-Contact Measurement Technique
Principal Investigator: Coupland, Professor JM
Other Investigators:
Nurse, Dr A Halliwell, Professor N
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
H Tinsley and Company Hydratight Sweeney Ltd
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Organisation: Loughborough University
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 October 2001 Ends: 30 September 2004 Value (£): 237,685
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Instrumentation Eng. & Dev.
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Aerospace, Defence and Marine Manufacturing
Transport Systems and Vehicles
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
i) Initially finite element analysis (FEA) will be used to establish suitable positions to machine diffraction gratings such that temperature compensate load measurements can be performed. Ideally two externally visible locations will be sought with grossly differing strain/load but similar apparent strain/temperature characteristics. In a similar manner to thermally compensated electrical resistance strain gauges, differential strain measurement will then be available to predict applied load.ii) Research will be performed in to establish the best way to machine surface relief diffraction gratings into standard fasteners. We have successfull machined diffraction gratings into a variety of polymers, mild steels, stainless steels and glasses using an Excimer laser. It is important, however, th this process is fully evacuated for the materials and surface treatments that are common-place in industry.iii) Prototype instrumentation will be developed. Although the instrumentation will not have to function at the full working temperature of the pressure installation, it must be capable of measuring load in hot and humid environments and may be subject to thermal gradients. For this reason we wish 1 conduct fundamental studies into the effect of temperature variation on both the instrument and the ambient atmosphere.
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Organisation Website: http://www.lboro.ac.uk