Measurement of linear position using a magnetostrictive wire

This thesis reports the details of construction and testing of a linear position measuring device and subsequent experimentation with the system. The design goals established were to construct a measuring device using established TTL devices, proven interfaces, ultra-reliable noise-clean, circuits, inexpensive components and to be based on transmission of magnetostrictively generated pulses in nickel wire. In addition it was to be able to operate in a harsh environment (e.g. underwater) where alternative devices would not function. While an accuracy objective was not established, it was hoped to be able to push accuracy near to the theoretical resolution. A. prototype measuring device was constructed consisting of a stretched nickel wire threaded through a transmitting coil and three receiving coils together with transmitting, receiving, timing and interface circuitry. The nickel wire was mounted on an optical bench with one receiving coil mounted to a moveable trolley. This configuration facilitated calibration and testing. The system was interfaced to a microcomputer via an IEEE 488 GPIB controller and calibration, testing and position appropriate computer programmes.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Electrical Engineering

Year dc:date.issued

1986

Author dc:creator

• Pennington, A J

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Bell, J F W

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/22116

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/22116