Three dimensional scanning in energy research

Pressure testing of RTL's

The University of Alabama in conjunction with Sandia National Laboratories is studying the deformation tendancies of cone-shaped RTL's (Recyclable Transmission Lines) for nuclear fusion. The thin steel RTL's are approximately 7 feet tall and 40 inches in diameter. Pressure is applied to the exterior while deformation and buckling are monitored with a variety of sensors. After the test, they collect a full interior profile of the cone using the Acuity laser line scanner on a movable bearing.

This group uses the AR4000-LIR rangefinder equipped with the 20 mW infrared laser diode. The rangefinder was modified with the close focus optics option so that the sensitivity adjusts to close targets within four feet instead of the sensor's full 54 foot range capability. The rangefinder was coupled to the line scanner assembly and the entire system is controlled with a high speed interface card. Engineers use a mechanical bearing assembly to step the line scanner down the length of the cone. This device has an encoder which is monitored by the available channel on the interface card. This group of engineers integrated this 3D scanner in two months time.

To the left is a graphical representation of the measured profile of the RTL cone. At each height, the scanner collects a full revolution of data points. The gap in the data occurs where the line scanner's chassis blocks the field of view.

For more information about the testing of deformed Recyclable Transmission Lines or the use of Acuity laser line scanners, consult the project page of Dr. Mark E. Barkey, Associate Professor of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics at The University of Alabama.