A model navigator based on laser

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Loesberg, P.P.

Affiliations: Netherlands Ship Model Basin

Abstract: The article gives a description of a measuring device to determine the position of a ship model in a basin. The position is determined by two light-beams, projected from a laser, the beams being automatically orientated to the model. The direction of the light -beams is controlled by servo-motor driven mirrors, a circular row of triple mirrors installed in the model reflects the light-beams to fotocells. The output voltages of these cells control the servo-systems. The position of the model is obtained in the form of two angles, these angles are transformed, by means of resolvers and electronic analogue dividers, into the co-ordinates of a Cartesian-system. The light-beams are vertically diverged by means of cylinderlenses, in order to permit vertical motions of the model. The accuracy of the whole system is some centimetres in a basin of 40×60 metres. These systems may be built for an area of at least 1000×1000 metres. Similar systems may be developed for recording vertical positions.

DOI: 10.3233/ISP-1969-1618201

Journal: International Shipbuilding Progress, vol. 16, no. 182, pp. 301-307, 1969