Measurement and Sensor Technology (MS&E)

This module gives an introduction to measurement and sensor technologies starting from fundamental concepts. Modern state-of-the-art measurement methods will be discussed and illustrated with selected examples. It covers the following chapters:

Section 1:

• Introduction, measurements, coordinate systems
• Optical microscopy, electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy
• X-ray and neutron scattering, diffraction and small angle scattering
• X-ray based thin film analysis
• Infrared- and UVvis spectroscopy

Section 2:

• Active and passive sensing (inspection and monitoring)
• Systems, signals and time series; sensor concepts and calibration
• Effect of defect concept (explained for CFRC parts for lightweight structures)
• Classification of measuring results; Probability of Detection (PoD) for NDT applications
• Overview of non-destructive testing techniques
• NDT applications in automotive and aeronautic
• Optical lock-in thermography at CFRC
• Phased-array and total focusing methods using ultrasound
• Wireless sensing techniques and sensor networks in structural health monitoring

Upon successful participation in the module, students will be able to:

1.    know about general principles with regard to methodology and measurements in physics,

2.    calculate experimental errors,

3.    handle the concepts of microscopy and imaging techniques,

4.    calculate diffraction spectra,

5.    apply the principles of x-ray and neuron scattering,

6.    handle small angle scattering analysis,

7.    apply the fundamentals of x-ray based thin film analysis,

8.    know selected examples from thin film analysis,

9.    apply the fundamentals of infrared and UVvis spectroscopy,

10. know selected examples from optical spectroscopy analysis,

11. analyzing the measuring chain to know the influence of individual parts including sensor characteristics

12. know concepts to select proper testing techniques based on Effect-of-Defect methods

13. know classification concepts for NDT results including the Probability-of-Detection

14. know the principles of NDT applications to investigate large structures

15. apply active infrared thermography methods to investigate carbon fiber reinforced structures

16. apply active ultrasound NDT techniques including phased-array

17. apply passive sensing techniques like wireless sensors for structural health monitoring

No preconditions in addition to the requirements for the Master’s program

The module consists of a lecture and an exercise.

The theoretical concepts are presented and discussed in the thematically structured lecture. The theoretical models for the description of measuring and sensor technology are developed together with the students. Specific physical examples are dealt with in detail and compared with experimental results in selected cases.

With the exercise sheets, students have the opportunity to apply the methods presented to specific examples and to familiarize themselves with the models of the field.

The exercise sheets are discussed in the exercises. A large space is also given to other questions from students. The exercises also offer the opportunity for discussions and further explanations on lecture topics.

Exercise sheets

There will be an oral exam of 30 minutes duration. Therein the achievement of the competencies given in section learning outcome is tested exemplarily at least to the given cognition level using comprehension questions and sample problems.

For example an assignment in the exam might be: a) Describe the basics of a small angle neutron scattering experiment. b) Explain the structure information you can gain from such type of experiments using words, drawings and diagrams. c) Describe how physical and technical properties of different materials and varying measurement parameters can influence the results of these measurements d) What will change if x-rays are used instead of neutrons

Participation in the exercise classes is strongly recommended since the exercises prepare for the problems of the exam and rehearse the specific competencies.