Apparatus and method for applying optical stripes for torsional detection

摘要

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for applying a uniformly-distributed pattern of stripes ( 8 ) on a component ( 6 ) of a large rotary machinery, such as an industrial generator. A method is provided that comprises measuring the circumferential area of the component ( 6 ) with a measuring element ( 14 ). The precise circumference is indicated and a desired number of pattern segments is determined. The circumference is divided by this number to produce equally spaced segments. This is then transferred to the rotor shaft ( 6 ) by marking on the measuring element ( 12 ) the number of segments and making a copy of the markings onto a second strip ( 14 ). These strips are then aligned on the circumferential area and cross strips ( 22 ) are placed at each of the segment marks ( 16 ). The segment areas not covered by the cross strips ( 24 ) are then painted in a color that is optically distinguishable from the non-painted regions. An optical probe ( 2 ) is then able to scan the stripes to detect torsional forces in the rotor shaft.