Measurement of Shipboard Piping Using a Portable Coordinate Measuring Machine (PCMM)

Abstract

This paper describes available technology for a Portable Coordinate Measuring Machine (PCMM) which can be hand carried onboard naval vessels. The PCMM can perform measurements in confined spaces throughout a vessel on pipes, tubes and assemblies, as well as their end fittings and support devices. Although portable, the PCMM can also be used in a stationary position for repetitive measurements. The PCMM is composed of four major components: an articulated six-axis digitizing arm, control unit, contact and non-contact probes, and tube and surface three-dimensional measurement software. The PCMM arm, lightly constructed, duplicates the articulation and reach of the human arm elements (shoulder, elbow, and wrist). Various contact and non-contact measuring probes attach easily to the wrist of the machine. The PCMM control unit performs all the necessary mathematical and geometric calculations without the use of external computers or templates.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1992
Accession Number
ADP023041

Entities

People

  • E. E. Wilson
  • James E. Defoor

Organizations

  • Norfolk Naval Shipyard

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Arm Bones
  • Assembly
  • Calculators
  • Computer-Aided Manufacturing
  • Computers
  • Engineers
  • Machines
  • Manufacturing
  • Naval Architecture
  • Naval Vessels
  • Production
  • Shipboard
  • Ships
  • Shipyards
  • Shoulder
  • Three Dimensional
  • Tubes

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

  • Aerospace Propulsion Engineering.
  • Geodesy
  • Robotics and Automation.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers