SURVICE Metrology

USGA

Issue: Determine United States Golf Association (USGA) conformance prior to formal submission for approval.

Effort: SURVICE Metrology used several pieces of equipment to include the Coherent Laser Radar (CLR), K-Scan handheld optical CMM scanner, and Breuckmann structured light scanner to dimensionally inspect prototype equipment for USGA conformance. Discrepancies were identified and recommended modifications/redesign developed for customer.

Benefit: Equipment can be inspected for conformance and redesigned if required before formal submission for approval. Results of dimensional inspection (and any post-processing of results) can be delivered with prototype equipment to USGA as supporting information.

The Sphinx of Hatsheput

		Issue: Record detailed surface geometric models of a priceless artifact. Effort: The Sphinx was scanned using a Breuckmann OptoTOP HE scanner. In order to assist with the alignment of the individual scans, a photogrammetry survey the Sphinx was conducted using the Aicon DPA ProPhotogrammetry system. Benefit: Combining Aicon DPA ProPhotogrammetry system and Breuckmann OptoTOP HE allowed all the intricate detail of this priceless historical artifact to be accurately captured.

Breuckmann OptoTop HE

		Detailed Cross-Sections of Fragile Parts Issue: Capture detailed cross-sectional data of fragile parts using a non-contact system. Effort: Dimensional information about numerous fragile parts were captured using the Breuckmann OptoTOP HE structured light scanner. Each part was scanned from multiple angles and the scans were merged. Cross-sections and feature measurement were developed using the Breuckmann OptoCAT software. Benefit: The projection technology the OptoTOP HE was able to measure the reflective surfaces without any coating of the sensitive areas.

Aicon DPA Pro System - Antenna Measurement

			Antenna Dish Issue: Determine the deformation of 24 ft diameter antenna dish due to solar heating effects. Effort: Measurements were made at regular intervals during a 24 hour period. The Aicon DPA Pro system was used to automatically measure and process the series of photographs. The deformation tool in the software allows comparison of dish measurements between epochs to be conducted efficiently. Benefit: Given the measurements of the dish, the analysis of the results was quickly conducted with the deformation module in the Aicon DPA Pro software.

Mark IV Tank

(click on image for larger version in Adobe .pdf)

Issue: Capture the dimensional condition of the U.S. Army Ordnance Museum’s World War I Mark IV tank to support restoration efforts.

Effort: A SURVICE Metrology/Metris team, using a Coherent Laser Radar and a Handheld Optical CMM Scanner, collected 8 million points over 4 days on the Ordnance Museum’s Mark IV tank located in its outdoor display. Spatial Analyzer and PolyWorks software were used to develop a surface model (4 million polygons) of the tank.

Benefit: The detailed dimensional data will be used to support the restoration effort of this national treasure.

Mark IV Tank Paper (in Adobe .pdf)

Armor Works Armor Plate

				Issue: Record and assess detailed dimensional data in support of the ballistic testing of body armor. Effort: Using a Coherent Laser Radar, SURVICE Metrology supported a customer’s ballistic testing efforts by capturing highly detailed pre- and post-test dimensional data of armor plates. Damage and surface deformation were captured, modeled, and presented to analysts for assessment.

Benefit: Near-real-time comparative results from the pre- and post-test events were used by the customer to focus further testing and will ultimately contribute to enhancing the armor’s performance.

C-40 (737) - Reverse Engineering

Issue: Develop detailed surface and interior geometric models of existing military cargo aircraft for trade studies.

Effort: U.S. Air Force and SURVICE Metrology personnel conducted a 5-day data collection effort on a C-40 (military version of the Boeing 737) aircraft using multiple X-Station/VULCAN systems. From the 40,000 points collected, a complex nurb surface model was developed and enhanced with detailed internal structure to meet customer requirements.

Benefit: The Air Force realized significant time and cost savings over the development and conversion of geometric data available from other sources.

Stryker Test Shot

		Issue: Locate hundreds of analytically determined ballistic impact points on an actual Stryker armored vehicle to be Live Fire tested. Effort: SURVICE Metrology, using a X-Station/VULCAN system, located over 300 impact points on the exterior of a Stryker vehicle. We worked with Army test personnel to optimize shot locations and to resolve differences between the analytical and actual vehicle geometries. Benefit: SURVICE Metrology completed the aimpoint marking effort in less than 1 day, providing a significant time/cost savings over the previous multi-week process.

Metris iGPS

Issue: Improve and streamline Air Force maintenance and logistics activities by providing customized dimensional inspection equipment.

Effort: Under Air Force research grant, SURVICE is in the process of developing and integrating next-generation metrology equipment into a Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) signature management toolsuite.

Benefit: Custom application development by SURVICE in conjunction with our partner, Metris, has led to specialized system that will substantially improve the accuracy of dimensional inspection of returning aircraft, reduce the time it takes to collect this information, and eliminate manual data entry processes.