Precision sensor manufacturer Micro-Epsilon UK Ltd has become a Product Sponsor of the BLOODHOUND SSC Project – the 1,000 mph land speed record attempt that is scheduled to take place in 2016.
Micro-Epsilon UK will provide high precision sensors and measurement systems for the BLOODHOUND SSC Project that will be used throughout the testing, production and operational stages.
Wheel expansion testing
Micro-Epsilon’s capaNCDT 6200 high precision capacitive measurement system has been identified for in-house testing to assess and validate the dynamics and mechanical expansion of the BLOODHOUND SSC wheels.
BLOODHOUND SSC Project.
As Joe Holdsworth, Systems Engineer at BLOODHOUND Programme Limited stated: “With the wheels turning at speeds of up to 10,000 rpm, this causes extremely high stresses in the wheel materials, which are solid aluminium alloy. We need to validate our FEA [Finite Element Analysis] stress models with reality and so we needed a high precision measurement system that could measure the mechanical expansion of the wheels accurately at high speed. We came across Micro-Epsilon’s capaNCDT 6200 measurement system at a recent trade exhibition [DSEI] and liked the fact that the system would enable us to synchronise measurements from all four wheel sensors during tests.”
The capaNCDT 6200 is a highly precise, integrated measuring system that includes a control unit, demodulator and Ethernet interface that supports fast and easy configuration through a web browser. The system allows up to four additional measurement channels to be added (or removed) to the base controller unit without any loss of performance or disruption. Any Micro-Epsilon capacitive displacement sensor can be connected to the controller without any additional calibration required.
As a multi-channel device with nanometer accuracy (resolution is down to 0.002µm), the capaNCDT6200 measurement system can be used in a variety of non-contact displacement, position and distance measurement applications. Measuring ranges are from 0.05mm to 10mm.
On-vehicle testing and evaluation
In addition, Micro-Epsilon’s optoNCDT 2300 series of laser displacement sensors will be used for on-vehicle testing of BLOODHOUND SSC during both runway trials and the record attempt itself.
Joe Holdsworth commented: “Measuring the ride height is a critical measurement parameter on the car. We need to know the exact distance between the wheels and the ground to see how far into the ground the wheels sink during trials.”
Mounted to the car’s chassis with the laser window pointing down towards the ground, the optoNCDT 2300 high speed sensor will accurately measure and monitor the ride height of the car. The sensor will enable the BLOODHOUND SSC team to adjust the suspension characteristics in order to optimise the performance of the car.
The optoNCDT 2300 is a self-contained laser displacement sensor that requires no separate controller, which provides an extremely high measuring speed of up to 50kHz. The sensor is ideal for high-speed dynamic applications such as vibration measurement or for measuring uneven, difficult surfaces. Unlike many competing sensors, the optoNCDT 2300 achieves high resolution and high measuring speeds without any averaging. The sensor can also be configured remotely using a web browser interface. This direct connection means the user can store parameters for a particular application, which can then be uploaded to one or multiple sensors, reducing set up time considerably.
The optoNCDT 2300 is available in five models with measuring ranges from 2mm up to 100mm. Resolution is down to 0.1µm and linearity is down to ± 0.4µm. Data output is via Ethernet, RS422 or EtherCAT.
On-vehicle temperature measurement
A variety of non-contact infrared temperature sensors from Micro-Epsilon are being considered by the BLOODHOUND SSC team for measuring the temperature of a range of engine bay components during runway trials and the record attempt. As Holdsworth explained: “As many components on the car are bonded using adhesives and rivets, we need to know how hot these areas become during trials and runs because the adhesives are sensitive to temperature. We also need to measure the temperature of various electronics systems on the vehicle. These temperature sensors will also potentially be used for safety systems.”
The BLOODHOUND SSC team are therefore utilising Micro-Epsilon’s thermoMETER CSmicro series and thermoMETER CThot series of non-contact infrared temperature sensors.
The thermoMETER CSmicro is one of the smallest infrared temperature sensors currently available. The sensor has a diameter of just 14mm, with the electronics unit fully integrated in the cable. The sensor includes an LED for self-diagnostic functions or for displaying the current measured temperature. Available in four models and covering a temperature range from -20°C to +1030°C, the sensor can withstand ambient temperatures up to 120°C without requiring any cooling. The sensor is robust and benefits from precision manufactured silicon optics with AR coating. Temperature resolution is 0.1°C with optical resolutions of 2:1 and 15:1.
The thermoMETER CThot is designed for extreme temperature environments. A thermopile detector embedded inside the sensor head is unique and enables measurements in ambient temperatures up to +250°C without any external cooling required. Measuring range is from -40°C to 975°C.
Micro-Epsilon is a major global manufacturer of sensors, headquartered in Germany. The company’s range of displacement sensors measure everything from to distance, position, vibration, dimensions and thickness, using both contact and non-contact measurement techniques. These techniques include 1D, 2D and even 3D laser-optical sensors and systems, eddy-current, capacitive, LVDT & inductive, potentiometric and draw-wire principles.
In addition, Micro Epsilon has developed its own range of non-contact infrared temperature sensors that can measure virtually any target temperature from -40 to +3,300°C. The company also manufactures a comprehensive range of colour recognition sensors.
With more than 45 years’ experience in the industry, Micro-Epsilon isn’t just a sensor manufacturer. The company is highly innovative and understands the importance of providing complete solutions and support services for its customers. The firm is renowned for its expertise in consulting, development and application of industrial sensors to complex, customer-specific solutions for measurement, inspection and automation. The focus is on selling technical advantage to its customers.