Calibration and performance of laser steering system for dynamic in-flight tracking and measurement

Jonathan Simpkins; Ryan Sollars; Alan Jennings; Chris Allen; Jonathon T. Black

doi:10.1117/12.818132

30 March 2009 Calibration and performance of laser steering system for dynamic in-flight tracking and measurement

Jonathan Simpkins, Ryan Sollars, Alan Jennings, Chris Allen, Jonathon T. Black

Proceedings Volume 7292, Sensors and Smart Structures Technologies for Civil, Mechanical, and Aerospace Systems 2009; 72923O (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.818132
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2009, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Noncontact measurements of flexible and moving structures have the challenge of obtaining high speed, accurate and registered data over a long range. Many noncontact measurement methods are based on the object staying aligned with the sensor. Yet sometimes the desired loading is a result of the motion interacting with structural dynamics as is the case with aeroelasticity. Triangulation of video data can capture large scale motion, but limits the speed and accuracy of the measurement. Laser vibrometry can capture minute, structural vibrations but must be aligned to the point of interest. This paper presents a method of registering a laser vibrometer steering system to a motion capture system. The basis of calibration lies on determining the location of the laser steering system through the videogrammetry capture volume for dynamic in-flight tracking and measurement. A method for using video capture of the laser is presented to determine registered lines through the capture volume. Results of the calibration are sufficient to have the laser track within half a degree for distances over 4m. The laser is then able to be open-loop steered with static and dynamic accuracies presented. This system can provide real-time structural awareness enabling active control.

Citation Download Citation

Jonathan Simpkins, Ryan Sollars, Alan Jennings, Chris Allen, and Jonathon T. Black "Calibration and performance of laser steering system for dynamic in-flight tracking and measurement", Proc. SPIE 7292, Sensors and Smart Structures Technologies for Civil, Mechanical, and Aerospace Systems 2009, 72923O (30 March 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.818132

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available