Date of Award

2009

Level of Access Assigned by Author

Campus-Only Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Advisor

John F. Vetelino

Second Committee Member

Lawrence C. Lynnworth

Third Committee Member

Michael L. Peterson

Abstract

Measurands such as temperature, fluid density, viscosity, and liquid level may be sensed by utilizing their influence on the speed of a guided ultrasonic torsional wave. Sensor design however, requires that the measured change in torsional speed can be attributed to one measurand without influence from other variables or interferences. In this thesis ultrasonic torsional waveguide sensors were fabricated of 6061-T6 Aluminum, Commercially Pure Titanium, and 316 Stainless Steel and tested to determine their potential application for sensing. In addition an ultrasonic torsional waveguide sensor for temperature was designed and tested. The temperature tests ranged from room temperature to 1000°C and 70% of the absolute melting point for 316 Stainless Steel and Commercially Pure Titanium and up to 750°C and 90% of the absolute melting point for 6061-T6 Aluminum. Torsional transit time was measured between echoes generated at the beginning and end of the sensor using a pulse-echo technique. Finally the thesis also presents a single torsional transducer design which potentially may improve upon the two transducer design currently being used.

Download

Files over 10MB may be slow to open. For best results, right-click and select "save as..."

Share