Measurement system for waviness of neutron conduit

Abstract

The invention provides a measurement system for the waviness of a neutron conduit. The measurement system comprises a high-precision granite guide rail, a total station, an auto-collimation eyepiece, a computer and a measurement auxiliary assembly. The high-precision granite guide rail provides a stable sliding reference, the total station slides along the high-precision granite guide rail for measurement, the auto-collimation eyepiece is matched with the normal direction of the measurement conduit, and the computer processes data. The system can adapt to measurement requirements of neutron conduits in different geometrical shapes, and the waviness is calculated through a preset formula, and the assembly precision of multiple sections of conduits and the influence on neutron reflection are evaluated; the measurement auxiliary assembly and the jack ensure stable measurement. The system is high in measurement precision, strong in universality, efficient in data processing, good in stability, simple and convenient to operate and capable of guiding design and manufacturing of neutron conduits, reducing production cost and improving neutron flux and experiment accuracy and reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the field of neutron optical devices, and in particular relates to a neutron catheter waviness measurement system. Background Art

[0002] In the field of neutron optics, neutron guides are key components whose performance directly impacts neutron transmission efficiency and experimental accuracy. Neutron guides guide the neutron beam along a specific path through the highly reflective material of their inner walls. The incident angle of the reflected neutrons is typically extremely small, typically between 0.1° and 1°. This characteristic requires the mirror or substrate of the neutron guide to be extremely flat, as any deviation from the ideal surface profile can significantly alter the reflection conditions, leading to neutron loss and, consequently, reduced neutron flux, compromising the accuracy and reliability of experimental results.

[0003] However, existing waviness measurement devices and methods cannot fully meet the measurement requirements of neutron catheters up to two meters long and with various verified shapes. First, in terms of measurement accuracy, existing devices and methods often struggle to match the precision requirements of neutron catheters, often encountering the following problems: ① The accuracy meets the requirements, but cannot accept large-angle reflected light; ② The equipment accuracy is insufficient, and the measurement machine cannot accurately reflect angular deviations under different postures. ③ In terms of data analysis, there is no universal and flexible calculation formula and data collection method for neutron catheters of different geometric shapes, making it impossible to accurately evaluate the specific impact of current catheter waviness on assembly accuracy and neutron reflection.

[0004] Therefore, a measurement system was developed that can accurately measure neutron catheter waviness, adapt to catheters of varying geometries, and provide efficient data analysis capabilities. This measurement system's structural design and connection methods fully consider the stability, flexible measurement angles, and accurate device posture recording required of optical measurement equipment. This effectively improves the accuracy and efficiency of neutron catheter waviness measurements, which is of great significance for enhancing the performance of neutron optical devices and experimental precision. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the above issues, a neutron catheter waviness measurement system is proposed. This system aims to provide a high-precision, highly versatile, and highly efficient data processing corrugation measurement solution for neutron catheters, a key neutron optical component. Accurate measurement feedback can improve the manufacturing capability of neutron catheters and ensure neutron catheter performance, integrated assembly accuracy, and neutron transmission efficiency.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a neutron guide tube waviness measurement system, characterized in that it comprises:

[0007] High-precision granite guide rails to provide a stable sliding base;

[0008] A total station is mounted on the high-precision granite guide rail and can slide along the guide rail;

[0009] an autocollimation eyepiece, used in conjunction with the total station, for measuring the normal direction of the reflecting surface of the neutron guide tube in an autocollimation mode;

[0010] a computer connected to the total station and configured to receive, store and analyze data measured by the total station;

[0011] The measurement auxiliary component includes a measurement side slider, a measurement top slider, a sample stage Y-axis far-end hard limit component and a side rear air float block installed on the guide rail, which is used to assist the positioning and measurement of the total station.

[0012] The total station is connected to the high-precision granite guide rail via a sliding mechanism. The sliding mechanism includes a guide rail slider and a driving device for driving the total station to slide precisely along the guide rail.

[0013] The total station includes a focusing device near the eyepiece and a fine-motion knob on the side of the body. The focusing device is used to focus the total station's telescopic system, roughly aligning it within the field of view and finding the "crosshairs." The fine-motion knob is used to adjust the total station's orientation and precisely align its direction.

[0014] The autocollimation eyepiece is a special function expansion accessory for the total station. It generates bypass laser through the built-in optical path, so that when the autocollimation function is turned on, a "crosshair" produced by the reflected light beam is generated in the field of view of the total station. The autocollimation process is to adjust and overlap the "crosshairs" of the total station eyepiece with the crosshairs of the reflected light beam.

[0015] The computer is pre-installed with an electronic spreadsheet template for calculating the waviness based on the feedback angle deviation value of the tested neutron catheter using a corresponding formula, and evaluating the waviness of a single-segment catheter and the assembly accuracy of multiple-segment catheters.

[0016] A jack and casters are provided at the bottom of the high-precision granite guide rail. The jack is used to adjust the absolute levelness of the guide rail at the beginning of equipment installation to provide a good measurement basis, and the casters are used to move and position the marble guide rail.

[0017] During the measurement process, the total station repeatedly focuses at multiple equally spaced positions along the guide rail to find the crosshairs and adjusts the azimuth so that the light beam is normally incident on the neutron guide tube by overlapping the crosshairs, and records the azimuth value of the total station when the normal incidence is established at each position.

[0018] The density of the data points is selected between every 50 mm and every 100 mm, so as to ensure the comprehensiveness of the current catheter measurement with an appropriate data density.

[0019] The measurement system is applicable to neutron guide tubes with straight, conical or other complex geometric shapes, and calculates the waviness through corresponding formulas and evaluates its influence on neutron reflection.

[0020] The measurement system also includes a result evaluation template for analyzing the waviness value, evaluating its effect on neutron reflection, and determining whether the design requirements and application standards are met.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the technical effects and advantages of the present invention are:

[0022] This system uses high-precision granite guide rails as a measurement reference, combined with the high-precision angle measurement capabilities of a total station with autocollimation, to achieve high-precision measurement of neutron catheter waviness. This high-precision measurement accurately reflects the actual flatness of the catheter surface and the assembly accuracy of multiple catheter sections, providing a reliable basis for subsequent data analysis and evaluation.

[0023] This system is designed to fully consider the measurement requirements of neutron catheters of varying geometries. Pre-installed spreadsheet templates and data analysis software enable waviness calculations for straight, tapered, and other complex neutron catheter geometries. This versatility enables the system to adapt to a wide range of catheter designs and application scenarios, enhancing the breadth and practicality of measurement.

[0024] The connection between the computer and the total station in this invention enables real-time data transmission and storage. Combined with pre-installed spreadsheet templates and data analysis software, this allows for rapid and accurate processing of measurement data. This efficient data processing process not only improves measurement efficiency but also enables timely identification of potential problems, providing strong support for the improvement and optimization of neutron guide tubes.

[0025] The system provides a stable and reliable pre-measurement environment through the design of auxiliary measurement components such as the measuring side slider, measuring top slider, and side rear air float, as well as precise adjustment of the guide rail level by a jack. This not only provides a stable measurement baseline before measurement, but also reduces errors and interference during the measurement process, thereby improving measurement accuracy and reliability.

[0026] The system features a modular design, with tightly connected components and easy operation. Sliding the total station along the guide rails, focusing, and adjusting the fine-motion screws are all easy to perform. The autocollimation eyepiece accessory is simple to install and verify, effectively reducing operational complexity and training costs. By accurately measuring the waviness of neutron guide tubes, this system helps guide the design and manufacturing of optical devices such as neutron guide tubes. This results in components that meet higher performance requirements, reduces rework and scrap due to excessive waviness, and ultimately reduces production costs.

[0027] The accurate waviness measurement and assessment of this invention helps optimize the design and manufacture of neutron guides, reducing neutron losses during transmission and thus increasing neutron flux. This is of great significance for fields that rely on neutron beams for experiments and research, as it can improve the accuracy and reliability of experiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the specific embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0029] Figure 1 is a reflection schematic diagram of an actual corrugated surface of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a diagram of the measurement principle of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the self-collimation operation of the total station of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 The granite guide rail and platform assembly diagram and exploded diagram of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 5 The total station model used in the present invention is Leica TDRA6000.

[0034] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the general assembly of the present invention.

[0035] Explanation of the accompanying symbols: 1. Pointer; 2. Measuring side slider; 3. Measuring top slider; 4. Sample stage Y-axis far-end hard limit assembly; 5. SMC mechanical valve; 6. Guide rail; 7. Side rear air float block; 8. Middle reading head mounting seat; 9. Jack; 10. Shelf; 11. Caster. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The specific embodiments of the neutron guide tube waviness measurement system of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] System composition

[0038] The neutron guide tube waviness measurement system of this embodiment mainly consists of the following parts:

[0039] High-precision granite guide rail 6: Serving as the base platform for the entire measurement system, it provides a stable sliding path, ensuring stability and accuracy during measurement. Jacks 9 and casters 11 are mounted at the bottom of guide rail 6. Jacks 9 are used to adjust the level of guide rail 6, while casters 11 facilitate movement and positioning of guide rail 6.

[0040] Total Station 12: The Leica TDRA6000 total station used in this embodiment is mounted on the measuring top slide 3 via an adapter plate. A pneumatic sliding mechanism located below the top slide 3 is then attached to the high-precision granite guide rail 6. Compressed air is used to enable the total station 12 to slide along the guide rail 6. This sliding motion is performed at visual range, yet provides excellent seismic isolation and posture retention capabilities. The total station 12 features high-precision angle measurement and is the core device for measuring neutron guide waviness.

[0041] Autocollimation eyepiece (not marked separately, but an accessory of the total station): Install and use it on the total station 12. In the autocollimation mode, use the focusing function of the total station to focus the light beam to infinity, and focus in the opposite direction, patiently look for the field of view where two "crosshairs" appear at the same time, then use the micro-screw on the side of the total station to adjust the orientation of the total station 12 so that the "crosshairs" generated by the reflected light beam coincide with the "crosshairs" target of the eyepiece of the total station 12, thereby establishing the normal incidence state.

[0042] A computer (not shown in the figure, a prior art technology but essential to the system) is connected to the total station 12 via Bluetooth and is used to receive, store, and analyze data measured by the total station 12. The computer is pre-installed with spreadsheet templates and data analysis software, which can calculate the waviness based on the geometry of the neutron guide tube being measured using appropriate formulas, and evaluate the waviness value and its impact on neutron reflection.

[0043] Measurement auxiliary components:

[0044] The measuring side slider 2 and the measuring top slider 3 are installed on the guide rail 6 to assist the total station 12 in positioning and sliding during the measurement process, thereby ensuring the accuracy and stability of the measurement.

[0045] Sample stage Y-axis far-end hard limit assembly 4: used to limit the movement range of the total station on the guide rail motion axis to ensure that the total station will not exceed the range and cause damage during the measurement process.

[0046] Side rear air float block 7: installed on the side of the guide rail 6, providing air float support, reducing friction and vibration during measurement, and improving measurement accuracy.

[0047] Intermediate reading head mounting seat 8: installed on the guide rail 6, used to install a reading head (not marked separately) to accurately record the position of the total station 12 on the guide rail 6 and provide accurate position information for subsequent data analysis.

[0048] SMC mechanical valve 5: used to control the air pressure and switch of the air float block 7, adjust the opening and closing of the air float and the support strength, and ensure stability and accuracy during the measurement process.

[0049] Shelf 10: Serves as the supporting structure of the entire measurement system and provides a stable installation platform.

[0050] Measurement steps

[0051] System installation and commissioning: Place the high-precision granite guide rail 6 on a stable surface and adjust the levelness of the guide rail 6 using the jack 9. Install the total station 12 on the guide rail 6 and adjust its position using the sliding mechanism to ensure that the total station 12 can slide freely along the guide rail 6. Install the autocollimation eyepiece onto the total station 12 and connect the data cable between the computer and the total station 12. Install the measurement auxiliary components, including the measuring side slider 2, the measuring top slider 3, the sample stage Y-axis far-end hard limit assembly 4, the side rear air float block 7, the intermediate readhead mount 8, and the SMC mechanical valve 5, and commission them to ensure that each component is functioning properly.

[0052] Neutron guide placement and positioning: Place the neutron guide to be measured on the sample stage. Adjust the guide's position so that it is at the same height as the total station lens, with the measuring plane roughly perpendicular to the light beam. This ensures that the guide is aligned with the total station 12's light beam (i.e., the image of the total station lens is visible in the eyepiece) to ensure measurement accuracy.

[0053] Start the measurement process: Start the total station 12, use the micro-screw on the side of the body to adjust the total station's posture and perform rough focusing, and confirm that the image of the total station can be seen in the field of view in the eyepiece. Turn on the laser switch of the autocollimation eyepiece to enter the autocollimation mode. Use the focusing device on the total station eyepiece to focus the light beam to infinity, and then begin to carefully focus in the opposite direction until two clear "crosshairs" appear in the field of view. Continue to use the micro-screw to adjust the azimuth of the total station 12 so that the "crosshairs" generated by the reflected light beam coincide with the "crosshairs" target of the total station 12 eyepiece, and establish the normal incidence state. Record the azimuth value displayed by the total station 12, and use the readhead on the intermediate readhead mounting bracket 8 to record the position of the total station 12 on the guide rail 6. Slide the total station 12 along the guide rail 6, repeat the above steps at multiple positions, and record the azimuth value and position information when normal incidence is established at each position.

[0054] Data Processing and Analysis: Recorded data is transferred to a computer for processing and analysis using pre-installed spreadsheet templates and data analysis software. Waviness is calculated using appropriate formulas based on the geometry of the neutron guide being measured, and its effect on neutron reflection is evaluated. Measurement results and analysis reports are generated to provide guidance for neutron guide design and manufacture.

[0055] The neutron guide waviness measurement system of this embodiment achieves high-precision measurement of neutron guide waviness through the coordinated operation of a high-precision granite guide rail 6, a total station 12, an autocollimation eyepiece, and auxiliary measurement components. The system is versatile and flexible, adapting to the measurement needs of neutron guides of varying geometries. Furthermore, through computer data processing and analysis capabilities, it can quickly and accurately assess waviness values ​​and their impact on neutron reflection, providing strong support for the design and manufacture of neutron guides.

[0056] When the neutron guide tube corrugation measurement system of this embodiment is used for measurement, the following steps and contents are included:

[0057] S1: Define the waviness parameters and calculate:

[0058] The waviness parameter σ is used as an indicator to measure the flatness of the reflective surface. It represents the standard deviation of the distribution of deviations between the actual surface normal direction and the nominal direction. Mathematically, it is calculated by the following formula:

[0059]

[0060] Among them, α i，R (x) and α i，N (x) is the actual normal direction and the normal direction of the standard plane, and n is the number of data points. The segmented approximate path or profile in S1: For a nonlinear path approximated by a straight line segment, the bending angle α must be considered. bending The correction formula for the measured data is:

[0061]

[0062] Here, m is the number of line segments, and n is the number of data points in each segment.

[0063] S2: Use the configuration of the total station with the autocollimation eyepiece. In the autocollimation mode obtained by this combination, the light beam emitted by the theodolite is irradiated onto the optical reflective surface (i.e., the reflective surface of the side wall of the catheter). When the "crosshairs" generated by the reflected light beam coincide with the "crosshairs" target of the theodolite eyepiece, the normal incidence state is established. At this time, the angle displayed by the theodolite is the direction of the normal of the measured surface. In the autocollimation mode of S2, observe the total station crosshairs and the reflected crosshairs, adjust the micro-screw until the two crosshairs coincide, complete the autocollimation process, and ensure the accuracy of each measurement.

[0064] S3: Install the theodolite on a high-precision granite guide rail. Slide the theodolite along the rail and repeatedly adjust its position at multiple locations, repeating S2 to achieve normal incidence of the beam on the neutron optical device. Record the theodolite position at each location when normal incidence is established, and transfer the data to a computer for storage and analysis. The data point density in S3 should be between every 50 mm and every 100 mm to ensure comprehensiveness and accuracy of the measurement. Waviness measurements should be taken at the center of each catheter unit and along its entire length, with each side assigned a waviness value.

[0065] S4: Process the measured data using a spreadsheet template. Calculate the waviness using the appropriate formula based on the measured geometry.

[0066] S5: Evaluate the waviness value and its effect on neutron reflection.

[0067] In this solution, preferably, in S1, for a straight neutron conduit, the nominal surface normal direction is a constant, and the simplified formula is:

[0068]

[0069] The preferred embodiment of this solution is that the curved neutron guide tube in S1 has the normal direction of the nominal surface changing with the position, taking into account the curvature radius R and the offset angle α. offset , the formula is:

[0070]

[0071] In this embodiment, the waviness of the parabolic or elliptical conduit in S1 is preferably calculated using a general formula, with attention to the precise positioning of the measurement points. The result evaluation in S5 includes analyzing the waviness value, evaluating its impact on neutron reflection, and determining whether it meets the design requirements and application standards.

[0072] This embodiment quantifies the deviation distribution in the direction of the surface normal through a detailed mathematical formula, providing a scientific basis for the accurate assessment of waviness. Corresponding waviness calculation formulas are formulated for neutron catheters with straight lines, curves, and other complex geometric shapes, ensuring that the waviness can be accurately assessed in various situations, filling the gap in the existing technology when dealing with complex geometric shapes. For nonlinear paths approximated by straight line segments, a bending angle correction factor is introduced to improve the processing method of measurement data, making the waviness calculation results more realistic, and providing a reliable measurement method for this type of specially designed neutron catheter. Combining a high-precision theodolite and a specialized spreadsheet template, a complete measurement and analysis system is constructed, achieving efficient processing of the entire process from data acquisition to result evaluation, significantly improving the quality and efficiency of measurement work.

[0073] While embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, and that the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A neutron guide tube corrugation measurement system, characterized by: include: High-precision granite guide rails (6) for providing a stable sliding reference; A total station (12) is mounted on the top slider (3) of the high-precision granite guide rail (6) and can slide along the guide rail; An autocollimation eyepiece is a special accessory for the total station (12) and is used in conjunction with the total station (12) to provide an autocollimation function for the total station (12) and can measure the normal direction of the neutron guide tube reflection surface in the autocollimation mode; a computer connected to the total station (12) and configured to receive, store and analyze data measured by the total station (12); The measurement auxiliary component comprises a measurement side slider (2), a measurement top slider (3), a limit component (4) and a side rear air floating block (7), and is used to assist the positioning and measurement of the total station (12).

2. The neutron guide tube waviness measurement system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The total station (12) is connected to the high-precision granite guide rail (6) via a sliding mechanism, wherein the sliding mechanism comprises a guide rail slider and a driving device for driving the total station (12) to slide precisely along the guide rail (6).

3. The neutron guide tube waviness measurement system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The autocollimating eyepiece includes a focusing device and a fine-motion screw, wherein the focusing device is used to focus the light beam, and the two fine-motion screws on the right are used to adjust the orientation of the total station (12), and to find and make the "crosshairs" generated by the reflected light beam coincide with the "crosshairs" target of the eyepiece of the total station (12) in the sight reading of the total station.

4. The neutron guide tube waviness measurement system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The computer is pre-installed with a table template designed according to a formula, which is used to calculate the waviness according to the normal deflection angle of the neutron guide tube under test using a corresponding formula, and to evaluate the assembly accuracy of multiple sections of the guide tube, and to evaluate the waviness value and its influence on neutron reflection.

5. The neutron guide tube waviness measurement system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The measurement auxiliary assembly also includes an intermediate reading head mounting seat (8) for mounting a reading head to relatively accurately visually read the position of the total station (12) on the high-precision granite guide rail (6).

6. The neutron guide tube waviness measurement system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A jack (9) and a caster (11) are provided at the bottom of the high-precision granite guide rail (6); the jack (9) is used to adjust the horizontality of the guide rail (6); and the caster (11) is used to facilitate the movement and positioning of the guide rail (6).

7. The neutron guide tube waviness measurement system according to claim 1, characterized in that: During the measurement process, the total station (12) repeatedly adjusts the azimuth at multiple positions so that the light beam can achieve normal incidence on the neutron guide tube, and records the azimuth value at each position when the normal incidence is established.

8. The neutron guide tube corrugation measurement system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The density of the data points is selected between every 50 mm and every 100 mm to ensure comprehensiveness and accuracy of the measurement.

9. The neutron guide tube waviness measurement system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The measurement system is applicable to neutron guide tubes with straight, conical or other complex geometric shapes. The waviness is calculated by corresponding formulas, and the assembly accuracy of multi-section guide tubes and their influence on neutron reflection are evaluated.

10. The neutron guide tube corrugation measurement system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The measurement system further includes a result evaluation module for analyzing the waviness value, evaluating its effect on neutron reflection, and determining whether the design requirements and application standards are met.

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