Parametric Design, Modeling, and Optical Evaluation of Retroreflective Prismatic Structures

Retroreflectors (RR) are defined as passive optical structures that redirect incident light to its originating source. Specific types of retroreflectors called inverted cubes (ICs) function through total internal reflection (TIR) and are used in various applications such as measurement tools, traffic signs and automotive rear and side lighting. This thesis aims to model, analyze, fabricate and study a novel type of IC retroreflectors called right triangular prism (RTP). A parametric approach is used to model existing IC geometries from a generic unit cube and is then implemented to model the novel RTP geometry. Those elements are then tested by optical simulation software in single element and areal forms and their performances are compared. Moreover, fabricated prototype arrays of RTPs were separately tested using a digital lux meter and a luminance imaging system. Both virtual and physical optical experimentation proved that the newly designed RTP structure is indeed functional and have the potential to be used in many applications.

Name thesis:degree_name

M Eng Sci

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical and Materials Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher

The University of Western Ontario

Year dc:date.issued

2016

Author dc:creator

• Hussein, Sama

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Remus Tutunea-Fatan
• Evgueni Bordatchev

• Micro-optics
• Retroreflector
• Right Triangular Prism
• Inverted Cube Retroreflector
• Automotive Lighting
• Reflex Reflector
• Diamond Cutting

Language dc:language.iso

en_ca

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14721/34053

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:uwo.scholaris.ca:20.500.14721/34053