RealTime Surface Roughness Measurement (RTSM)

Important results from the project

The objective, as a first step in feasibility study of the idea, was to evaluate the potential of UV technique for real-time surface monitoring and roughness measurement inside machining space. The main focus was on observing the changes in “reflection and penetration” characteristics of UV light upon alterations in four study variables of Target Material, Environment, Distance, and Surface roughness.

Expected long term effects

- We successfully screened the effect of change of variables on UV radiation and penetration throughout various UV sub-bands. - We realized that each material responds to radiation at specific wavelength. Such responses are different at each sub-bands and response pattern of materials differ from each other. - By estimation of refractive index number, it will be possible to estimate the amount and depth of penetration and understand the characteristics of the sub-surface layer. - We successfully screened the influence of surface roughness on reflection and penetration of radiation.

Approach and implementation

- To investigate penetration, two configurations were used: a) Collimator radiated towards material surface and camera placed behind b) Reflection (symmetrical and small angle methods) was used to estimate the reflective index and amount of penetration. The effect of different sub-bands of radiations were investigated using 8 different filters. - To investigate reflection, symmetrical, small, and wide angle techniques were used in dry and wet environment. In each reflection method the effect of different sub-bands of radiations were investigated using 8 different filters.