Sphericity measurements by the radial method: I. Mathematical fundamentals

Abstract

Traditionally, form errors of spherical components have been assessed on the basis of roundness profiles measured in several randomly selected cross-sections. However, such evaluation is superficial, especially if there are significant local irregularities. A new concept was thus developed at the Kielce University of Technology to enable measurement of spherical specimens along some predefined paths so that the surface is densely covered with a grid of points. This approach assumes that measurements can be performed using a typical radial roundness measuring instrument equipped with a special mechanism for controlled positioning of a measured element. This work discusses the assumptions of the new concept and describes a mathematical model of sphericity measurement by the radial method.