Apparatus and method for volumetric dilatometry

Publication Date
2004-04-06Filing Date
2001-02-15Inventor
Duncan, Paul G.
Christian, Sean M.
Shinpaugh, Kevin A.
Marand, Herve
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Disclosed is a novel apparatus and method for volumetric dilatometry. A volumetric dilatometer includes an optical displacement sensor and a means for using a gap measurement obtained from the displacement sensor application in an application which requires the measurement of absolute distance and/or displacement. A novel signal-processing algorithm for volumetric dilatometry is also disclosed. The signal-processing algorithm includes a step for recovering the phase information from a spectral signal by taking the Fourier transform of a spectral signal and deriving a sensor gap measurement from the phase information. A micro-translation stage is provided for automated positioning of the optical sensor and automated re-leveling in an out-of-range condition. A heat source is consists of a vertical tube furnace, such as those found in drywell technologies. Further disclosed is a novel sealed-cell design which consists of a mercury reservoir, a sample cell capable of locking onto the bottom of the mercury reservoir and an outer reservoir sleeve for sensor-to-cell alignment during sensor positioning.
Assignee
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Patent Number
6718281
Application Number
9783389
Primary/U.S. Class
702/159
Other/U.S. Class
CPC Class
G01B11/18
G01B11/161
Patent Type
utility
Collections
- Virginia Tech Patents [687]