UNIVERSITY OF

MAURITIUS
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
Mechanical & Production Engineering
Department
Metrology Lab Work
Experiment 9: Linear Measurement and
Standards
MUNSEEA Muhammad Abdul Waheed: 1112723
CHENG SANG FONG Warren: 1119079
CASSIM Muhammad Ashraf : 1119444
MEETTOO Joycesingh: 1211024

Experiment 9: Linear Measurement and Standards

Experiment 9: Linear Measurement and Standards

Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................... 4
1.1 LINEAR MEASUREMENT..................................................................................... 4
1.2 Micrometer........................................................................................................ 5
1.3 Internal Micrometer........................................................................................... 5
1.4 Vernier Caliper................................................................................................... 6
1.5 Vernier Height Gauge........................................................................................ 7
1.6 Vernier Depth gauge......................................................................................... 7
ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSIONS.................................................................................... 9
Question 1............................................................................................................... 9
Question 2............................................................................................................... 9
Question 3............................................................................................................. 10
Question 4............................................................................................................. 10
Question 5............................................................................................................. 11
Apparatus needed:................................................................................................... 11
Calibration procedure:.............................................................................................. 11
Test for Outside Jaws:............................................................................................... 11
Test for Inside Jaws:................................................................................................. 12
Test for Depth Gauge:............................................................................................... 12
Question 6............................................................................................................. 12
Question 7............................................................................................................. 13
Question 8............................................................................................................. 13
Question 9............................................................................................................. 13
Question 10........................................................................................................... 14

Experiment 9: Linear Measurement and Standards

1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 LINEAR MEASUREMENT
Linear measurement applies to measurement of lengths, diameter, heights and thickness
including external and internal measurements. The line measuring instruments have series of
accurately spaced lines marked on them e.g. Scale. The dimensions to be measured are aligned
with the graduations of the scale. Linear measuring instruments are designed either for line
measurements or end measurements. In end measuring instruments, the measurement is taken
between two end surfaces as in micrometers, slip gauges etc.
The instruments used for linear measurements can be classified as:
1. Direct measuring instruments
2. Indirect measuring instrument
The Direct measuring instruments are of two types:
1. Graduated
2. Non Graduated
The graduated instruments include rules, vernier calipers, vernier height gauges, vernier
depth gauges, micrometers, dial indicators etc.
The non graduated instruments include calipers, trammels, telescopic gauges, surface
gauges, straight edges, wire gauges, screw pitch gauges, radius gauges, thickness gauges, slip
gauges etc.
They can also be classified as
1. Non precision instruments such as steel rule, calipers etc.
2. Precision measuring instruments, such as vernier instruments, micrometers, dial gauges
etc.

Experiment 9: Linear Measurement and Standards

1.2 Micrometer
The micrometer requires the use of an accurate screw thread as a means of obtaining a
measurement. The screw is attached to a spindle and is turned by movement of a thimble or
ratchet at the end. Each revolution of the thimble advances the screw 0.01mm. Figure 1 gives a
pictorial description of the parts a micrometer.

Figure 1
The Micrometer found in the Metrology Lab has a resolution of 0.01 mm and a range of ----------

1.3 Internal Micrometer

Internal micrometers has the same principle of operation as micrometers. Figure 2, shows a
pictorial representation of two internal micrometers.

Figure 2

Experiment 9: Linear Measurement and Standards

Figure 3 shows parts of an internal micrometer

Figure 3
The internal micrometer found in the Metrology Lab has a resolution of 0.01 mm and a range of
0 30 mm.

1.4 Vernier Caliper

The vernier instruments generally used in workshop and engineering metrology have
comparatively low accuracy. The line of measurement of such instruments does not coincide
with the line of scale. The accuracy therefore depends upon the straightness of the beam and the
squareness of the sliding jaw with respect to the beam. To ensure the squareness, the sliding jaw
must be clamped before taking the reading. The zero error must also be taken into consideration.
Figure 4 shows the parts of a vernier caliper.

Figure 4
The vernier found in the Metrology Lab has a resolution of 0.02 mm and a range of 0 200 mm

Experiment 9: Linear Measurement and Standards

1.5 Vernier Height Gauge
Vernier height gauge, as show in Figure 5 below, is also a sort of vernier caliper, equipped with a
special base block and other attachments which make the instrument suitable for height
measurements. Along with the sliding jaw assembly, arrangement is provided to carry a
removable clamp. The upper and lower surfaces of the measuring jaws are parallel to the base, so
that it can be used for measurements over or under a surface. The vernier height gauge is mainly
used in the inspection of parts and layout work. With a scribing attachment in place of measuring
jaw, this can be used to scribe lines at certain distance above surface. However dial indicators
can also be attached in the clamp and many useful measurements made as it exactly gives the
indication when the dial tip is just touching the surface. For all these measurements, use of
surface plates as datum surface is very essential. Figure 6 shows a pictorial descritption of the
parts of the vernier height gauge.

Figure 5

Figure 6

1.6 Vernier Depth gauge

This apparatus is used for the measurement of the depth of holes as well as slots with recess can
also be calculated. This device is examined in a similar manner as normal vernier caliper Depth
dimensions may also be ready with a definitive type of vernier or dial calipers which are given
by a thin sliding blade or depth gauge attached to the portal jaw. The caliper is located vertically
over the depth to be calculated and the end of the bar is detained next to the shoulder while the
blade is put in into the hole to be measured. Figure 7 shows a vernier depth gauge.

Experiment 9: Linear Measurement and Standards

Figure 7

Experiment 9: Linear Measurement and Standards

ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSIONS
Question 1. Briefly explain in your own words the following terms, and give one
example in each case:
(a). Assignable error
(b). Random error
(a). Assignable error is also known as systematic error. It is the errors associated with either a
flaw in the equipment or the design of the experiment and cannot be estimated by repeating the
experiment with the same equipment.
An example is when timing the oscillation period of a simple pendulum using stopwatch.
Suppose the stopwatch is running slow, this would lead to underestimation of all the time
measured
(b) Random error is caused by any factors that randomly affect measurement of the parameter
across the sample. . Random errors usually result from the experimenter's inability to take the
same measurement in exactly the same way to get exact the same number.
Example: errors in judgment of an observer when reading the scale of a measuring device to the
smallest division.

Question 2. Explain with the help of a practical occurrence of the following types of
error:
(a). Pressure error
(b). Angular error
(c). Error due to yielding
(a). Pressure error occurs whenever too much force is applied while measuring a material
resulting in a deviation from the actual value. It can distort the material to be measured or
damage the measuring instrument itself. For example while measuring the height of a workpiece
on a height gauge, if too much force is applied while adjusting the scriber, the value read can be
lower than the actual value.
(b). When joining two metal parts perpendicular to each other, if the parts are no longer at 90
degrees, it implies that there is an angular error. The error angle is the difference between the real
angle which is 90 degrees, and the actual angle.
(c). Error due to yielding can occur in mass spring systems. For example if we are doing an
experiment to calculate Hookes law, and the spring used has already exceeded its elastic limit.

Experiment 9: Linear Measurement and Standards

The readings which will be taken will not be accurate and the calculated values will not obey
hookes law. It is a systematic error.

Question 3. What are the main sources that can be associated with the use of a height
gauge? Explain your answer.
Difficulty in reading the exact value that is being taken. The vernier scale is very small and as
such, many divisions appear to coincide instead of only one which is the exact value. Hence even
the smallest parallax error which may occur could bias the value which is being noted.

Question 4. Explain the responsibilities and services of the Legal Metrology Service of
the Commerce Division of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Consumer Protection,
Republic of Mauritius.
Responsibilities:
1. Calibration and maintenance of measurement standards which are traceable to
International Standards
2. Control of weighing and measuring equipment used in Trade to ensure that the
instruments are accurate and used correctly
3. Control of goods to ensure that they are properly labelled and contain the quantity
declared on the packages.
Services:
Assessing of instruments;
On Request Calibration;
Supervision of use of weighing and measuring instruments;
Control on goods (Prepacked Commodities);
Certificate of Suitability;
Investigation of complaint;
Information and advice.

Experiment 9: Linear Measurement and Standards

Question 5. Explain how a vernier caliper is calibrated?

Apparatus needed:
1. Gauge blocks
2. Calibrated micrometer
3. Reference surface (e.g. Granite plate )
Calibration procedure:
Clean the Vernier Calipers measuring surfaces, the granite surface, and the gauge blocks
to be used.

Zero the Vernier Caliper at the start and adjust as required by the manufacturers
specifications. If cannot be zeroed, it is then mark as a fail.

Temperature should be at 23C 5C and humidity at 45% 10%

Make a visual and touch inspection. Inspect the inside and Outside Jaws, Depth Gauge
and sliding jaw for smooth movement. There should not be any damage, nicks, or burrs.
It should have straight and parallel faces with no free play over the whole length.

Test for Outside Jaws:

Experiment 9: Linear Measurement and Standards

1.
2.
3.
4.

Using gauge blacks measure 5 different length.

Record values obtain on vernier caliper
Compare readings with their respective gauge block.
Reading should be within limits 0.05mm to be acceptable

Test for Inside Jaws:

1. Using a calibrated micrometer measure gauge blocks of appropriate length and lock the
micrometer at that length
2. Measure the distance between the micrometer anvils using the inside jaw of the vernier
caliper
3. Record reading on vernier caliper
4. Compare readings with their respective gauge blocks
5. Reading should be within limits 0.05mm to be acceptable

Test for Depth Gauge:

1. Two equal stacks of gauge blocks are made on the granite surface to a height in the mid
range of the depth gauge.
2. The height of the two stacks of gauge blocks, with the rod between the two stacks is
recorded and the flat part of the instrument flushed against the top of each of the two
stacks.
3. Reading on vernier caliper is recorded
4. Compare reading with the respective gauge block
5. Reading should be within limits 0.05mm to be acceptable

Question 6. Explain one instrument which is used for end measurement and one used for
line measurement.
An end measuring instrument consists of two surfaces. A dimension is determined by placing it
between the measuring surfaces. One of the surfaces constitutes the base of a single unit that includes
a rule the other surface is on a head that slides along the rule. The rule is divided into a millimeters
and a vernier scale is installed on the sliding head. Example: Vernier Caliper
Line measurement is used for direct measurement of specific distances within their capacity range.
Example: Line graduated rules and tapesThese are used for direct length comparison and

they have no auxiliary devices. These are available in widely different degrees of accuracy to
suit diverse requirements for plain length measuring tools.

Experiment 9: Linear Measurement and Standards

Question 7. A distance of 756 mm has to be accurately verified between two vertical

planes. Explain with justification a proper measurement process that can be used.
For this measurement, a Laser Interferometer can be used. It uses the concept of wave interferences
and guide them into a straight beam. These waves are emitted using a light source and reflected and
received by a detector. The values of this process is more accurate as the waves have really small
wavelengths, thus producing a resolution of 0.1 micrometer. It is also versatile and can be used for
long distances not exceeding 60 meters.

Question 8. Explain the main difference between a voluntary and mandatory

standard. In each case, provide and example to support your answer.
A voluntary standard is a standard established generally by a private-sector body and which is
available for use by any person or organisation, private or government.
A mandatory standard on the other hand is a standard which requires compliance because of a
government decree or regulation, an organisation internal policy, or contractual obligation.
Failure to act in accordance with a mandatory standary usually results in a sanction, such as civil
or criminal penalties or loss of employment.

Question 9. Explain the following terms:

National Standard
From an official perspective, national standard is adopted by national standard and made available to
the public. Practically speaking, however a national standard is any standard that is widely used and
recognized within a country.

Secondary Standards
It is made nearly as close as possible to the primary standard with which they are compared at
intervals and records of their derivation from it. It used occasionally for comparison with the
tertiary standard.

Working Standards

Experiment 9: Linear Measurement and Standards

These standards are used in laboratories and similar institution. They are derived from the
fundamental standards. They are referred to as the reference standard and calibration standards.

Question 10. Explain the calibration chain for the linear measurement in order to
provide traceability to international standards.
The definition of traceability can be found in the International Vocabulary for Metrology as
property of a measurement result whereby the result can be related to a reference through a
documented unbroken chain of calibrations, each contributing to the measurement
uncertainty. The diagram below indicates the accuracy of length measurement that can be
achieved at various level in a typical engineering measurement chain.

Standard

Calibration chain

Uncertainty

Definition of the
unit of length
N.P.L primary
standard

N.P.L working
standards

Iodine stabilized
helium neon laser

Spectral lamps

Stabilized lasers

< 1 in 109

< 1 in 107

Laboratory
standards

Reference grade
gauge blocks

< 1 in 106

Industrial metrology
standard

Laboratory standard
gauge blocks

< 1 in 105

Shop floor

Micrometer, transducer, etc

< 1 in 104