Precision Engineering &

Metrology (ME-312)
waqaraq@gmail.com

INSTRUCTOR: DR. WAQAR AHMED

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY, TAXILA
Recommended Reference and Source for
the Course Lectures
Theory and Design for Mechanical Measurements By
R. Figliola and D. Beasley, John Wiley

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Learning Outcomes
1. Identify the major components of a general measurement system, and state
the function of each
2. Develop an experimental test plan
3. Distinguish between random and systematic errors
4. Describe and define the various error types
5. Define a standard and distinguish among primary, secondary, and transfer
standards
6. Clearly delineate defined and derived dimensions in various unit systems.

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1.1 Introduction
Measurement:
“An act of assigning a specific value to a physical variable”
Measured Variable:
“The physical variable above is a measured variable”
Measurement System:
“A tool used for quantifying the measured Variable”
Why do we need to measure?

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1.2 General Measurement System
Difference in sensor and transducer?

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1.3 Experimental Test Plan
Purpose of an Experimental Test:
“To answer a question”
Example: Mileage of your car (Mileage = Distance / Fuel)
Steps
1. Parameter Design plan: Identify the objective and variables / parameters
2. System and Tolerance Design Plan: Select measurement technique, equipment, test procedure
3. Data Reduction Design Plan: Plan to analyze, present, interpret and use the experimental data

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Variables
1. Independent Variables
2. Dependent Variables
3. Extraneous Variables
a) Continuous extraneous variables
b) Discrete extraneous variables

4. Control of Variables
5. Control Parameters
6. Noise and Interference

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Random Tests
Measurement
Random Order Randomization
Matrix

Example of car mileage for randomization

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 Example 1.1
Find independent,
dependent and
Room Temperature 𝑧1
𝑥 extraneous variables
Voltage variations 𝑧2

Power
Source
𝒑, 𝑻 Pressure
𝒗 = 𝑨𝒙 Transducer
Voltmeter
Interference 𝑧3

Gas obeys ideal gas law

𝒑𝒗
=𝑪
𝑝 = 𝑓 𝑣, 𝑇; 𝑧1 , 𝑧2 , 𝑧3 , 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑣 = 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑇) 𝑻
C is parameter
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Randomization of Example 1.1 (Ex 1.2)
Develop a test matrix that will minimize the interference effects of any
extraneous variables
1. Our strategy: Change volume, control gas temperature and measure pressure
2. We must avoid false trends in the measurement of pressure
3. To minimize the effects of 𝑧1 , 𝑧2 , 𝑧3 we will have to randomize the changing
values of volumes
4. Let us suppose we set 7 different volumes in descending order
(𝑣1 , 𝑣2 , 𝑣3 , 𝑣4 , 𝑣5 , 𝑣6 , 𝑣7 ) and read respective pressure values
5. We may randomize the values like in the given sequence instead of ascending
order: 𝑣2 , 𝑣5 , 𝑣1 , 𝑣4 , 𝑣7 , 𝑣3 , 𝑣6

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Another Example
A, B, C are material types in an experiment
𝑧1 , 𝑧2 , 𝑧3 are three different operators doing tests
𝑇1 , 𝑇2 , 𝑇3 are the temperatures at which tests are to be
performed
How do you plan to minimize the effects of extraneous
variable of operators?

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Replication and Repetition
1. What is Replication?

2. What is Repetition?

3. What is the advantage of both?

4. What do they signify?

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 𝑉 = 𝜋𝑟 2 𝐿

Concomitant Methods
Obtain two or more estimates
Use a different method for each estimate
L
This approach increases the trust in measurement
Present and discuss few examples

How can you measure volume of this cylinder?

How can you be sure of your measurement?
d
=> r = d/2
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1.4 Calibration
Static Calibration
Static Sensitivity
Dynamic Calibration
Range
Discuss examples of calibration

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 Conclusion
1. Rest of the chapter is reading assignment of class
2. After reviewing the whole chapter every student has to solve one problem
each from the problems at the end of Chapter 1
3. Sequence of problems assignment: Roll # 1 => Q # 1 and so on
4. When questions finish, the repetition will start
5. Assignment does not have to be submitted

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