Ludwik Finkelstein

Widely, strongly and weakly defined measurement

The paper discusses the concept of measurement. Measurement, in the wide sense, is defined as a process of empirical, objective assignment of symbols to attributes of objects and events of the real world, in such a way as to describe them. Strongly defined measurement is measurement that conforms to the paradigm of the physical sciences. Weakly defined measurement is measurement in the wide sense, but which is not strongly defined. Strongly and weakly defined measurements are analysed and compared. Other forms of symbolic representation are distinguished from measurement.

Fundamental Concepts of Measurement: Definition and Scales:

The paper presents briefly the current state of understanding of the epistemological and logical foundations of measurement. Measurement is defined as an empirical operational procedure which assigns numbers to members of a class of entities, in such a way as to describe them; by which is meant that relations between these numbers correspond to empirical relations between the entities to which they are assigned. On the basis of this definition, the conditions for the establishment of scales of measurement are analysed.

Investigation of the effects of design parameters on output characteristics of capacitive angular displacement sensors by finite element field modelling

The effects of design parameters on performance characteristics of a capacitive angular displacement sensor used in limited angle torque motors are investigated. This is done by 2D finite element modelling and computation of electrostatic fields in the complex geometry of the sensor. Results are presented in terms of sensors output characteristic showing the effects of some of its material and geometric parameters. The output characteristic investigated is the variation of sensor output voltage V with angular position /spl theta/ of the motor rotor, V=f(/spl theta/). The design parameters used comprise permittivities of various dielectric materials and angular width w/sub 1/ of the sensor.

The Dynamics and Control of Chemical Processes in Man

The paper reviews the various control mechanisms to be found in chemical reactions occurring in man. The concept of compartmental analysis is discussed and the unit processes of biochemistry are considered, e.g. enzymic reactions, expanding systems, transport systems. Modelling techniques are discussed with particular reference to plasma protein metabolism and bilirubin metabolism.

Measurement and instrumentation science and technology-the educational challenges

The paper presents in outline some of the major issues in education and training in measurement and instrumentation science and technology. Its aim is to initiate discussion and stimulate action. It considers measurement science in general education and in the formation of engineers and scientists.

Strength in Numbers

The paper looks at measurement as a basic tool of modern thought, with wide applications. It presents an informal overview of the fundamental principles of measurement and examines some of its general problems. It concludes that measurement and control technology has much to contribute to wider applications of measurement and much to learn from them.

Tools for education and training in measurement and instrumentation - a review of requirements

This paper examines the requirements for new information technology tools for education and training in measurement and instrumentation, given the advances in capability of information technology. It bases the examination on the proceedings of the IMEKO XVII World Congress held in Croatia, June 2003, and particularly the round table discussions on metrology education and training. A brief discussion is given of the nature of the discipline. The nature of formation is considered. A review is presented of the capabilities and limitations of educational tools. It is argued that the requirements are effected by the widening global spread of the application of measurement and instrumentation technology, the increasing importance of the metrological perspective of the discipline, the need for education and training at all levels and not only at the advanced scientific level, and the importance of resource limitation.

Measurement and instrumentation technology - reflections on the present and future

Measurement and instrumentation is a key enabling teclmology of any industrialised, developed economy. It stands at present before significant challenges. It is therefore important for those concerned with the teclmology to reflect on those challenges and to consider these challenges and the appropriate responses. Those challenges are in the first instance technological, consisting of the continued rapid growth and development of the technology and an expansion of the fields of application and of the demands, which they impose. The second group of challenges are the political, economic and social changes which the world has undergone in the last decade and which are transforming the environment in which teclmology works. The present reflections will attempt to examine those challenges and the threats and opportunities they offer.

Measurement and Instrumentation — A Key Enabling Science and Technology

It is generally recognised that measurement is the basis ofnatural science, and indeed that quantification, based on measurement, is the foundation of rational thought in the conduct of human affairs, and in rational approaches to social, economic and political problems. Measurement, and the instrumentation by which it is implemented is a key enabling technology. Firstly it is, and has been since the dawn of earliest civilization, an essential requirement of trade. It is the basic tool of quality monitoring and assurance. It is an essential operation of the automatic control and management of machines and processes, and is thus a core component of virtually all manufacturing. The process industries have relied on it from their earliest development. Now, to an increasing extent, engineering manufacture makes use of ever more advanced instrumentation. Modern transport relies on it. Air transport and space travel would be inconceivable without it. In the not too distant future land transport will rely on it for engine management, automatic steering and passenger comfort The protection of the environment relies on measurement and instrumentation to monitor pollution and changes in climate. Modern medical practice has come to be completely dependent on measurement and instrumentation for diagnosis and treatment. Yet, in spite of the widely acknowledged importance of measurement and instrumentation, those concerned with science policy and those planning and managing professional education rarely have an integrated concept of the discipline, or give it the attention it deserves. This viewpoint article is then intended to reiterate the claims of the discipline. The drivers of the technology

Applications of Modelling in Engineering and Technology

Abstract The use of mathematical models in the design, investigation and prediction of sensors, actuators and other devices constitutes one of the major advances in engineering design. Efficient numerical solutions are now available for a wide range of mathematical problems that are impossible to tackle by analytical methods. Based on a number of industrial case studies, this paper will describe the use of numerical modelling techniques, such as the finite element technique, for the design and analysis of sensors, actuators and other electrical devices. In doing so, it will focus on the scope and importance of physical modelling at a subsystem level which ultimately contributes to modelling activities at a global systems level. It highlights the fact that because of its importance in design and analysis, the topic of mathematical modelling and the underpinning techniques are of wide pedagogical interest.