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Measurement of Piston Deposit Thickness Using Laser Profilometer...

Publication Type
Journal
Journal Name
SAE International Journal of Fuels and Lubricants
Publication Date
Volume
16
Issue
3

A novel method of measuring the thickness of deposits on engine pistons, including within ring grooves, is described. A laser profilometer is used in conjunction with a rotary stage to measure a continuous profile of the piston with deposits, and the measurement is repeated after cleaning the deposits from the piston. Algorithms for aligning the scans and determining the differential thickness are described, and results are compared to deposit thickness measurements using a contact-type magnetic induction coating thickness gauge. This method allows continuous measurement of deposit thickness across the entire surface including lands and ring grooves as well as quantification of the volume of the deposits.