Precision measurement systems

Objective:

Precision measurements are crucial in various scientific and industrial fields to ensure accuracy and reliability in manufacturing and quality control. This course focuses teaching on precision measurement techniques used in scientific and industrial applications. The importance of statistical data analysis, post processing and error estimation analysis is taught. The course covers different mechanical and optical methods of precise testing with an emphasis on fundamental design principles of precision systems and their achievable accuracies.

Throughout the course, students would likely gain hands-on experience with various precision measurement instruments and software tools used in scientific and industrial settings. They would also learn how to critically assess measurement uncertainties and make informed decisions based on measured data. This course is valuable for individuals pursuing careers in fields such as manufacturing, quality control, research, and development where precision measurements are essential.

The following topics are covered in the course

Fundamentals of precision measurements: accuracy, precision, resolution, repeatability, reproducibility, consistency, drift analysis, dynamic range, Measurements and error estimation, systematic and random errors, Instrument transfer function, least square method and its applications, filtering, polynomial fitting, data analysis and statistical inference, correlation, Surface roughness, waviness and shape measurements, Study of some measurement systems such as mechanical and optical profilers, circularity, cylindricity and conicity measurement systems, Co-ordinate measuring machine, profile projector, long trace slope measuring profilometer, Shack-Hartmann sensor for slope measurement, Different Interferometers for optical metrology, absolute testing techniques, Moire techniques for measurements in industrial applications

Topics:

1. Introduction to precisions measurement: accuracy, precision, resolution, repeatability, reproducibility, consistency, drift analysis.
2. Measurements and error estimation, systematic and random errors, Instrument transfer function and its dynamic range
3. Least square method and its applications, spatial filtering, polynomial fitting, data analysis and statistical inference, correlation analysis
4. Surface topography, surface roughness, waviness and shape measurements.
5. Mechanical and optical profilometers, circularity, cylindricity and conicity measurement systems.
6. Co-ordinate measuring machine, Profile projector, tool makers microscope
7. Slope measurement systems; Long trace slope measuring profilometer and Shack-Hartmann sensor for slope measurement
8. Different Interferometers (Michelson, Fizeau, Twyman-Green, Shearing) for optical metrology
9. Absolute interferometric testing techniques
10. Moire techniques for measurements in industrial applications