Abstract: A non-contact method of characterizing the isostatic strength of a ceramic member or article includes capturing a digital image of the ceramic article, and then forming a two-dimensional representation of the ceramic article and the web therein based on the captured digital image. The method also includes performing finite-element analysis on the two-dimensional representation of the ceramic article using a select amount of simulated isostatic pressure to determine a maximum stress value within the two-dimensional representation of the web. The method further includes using the maximum stress value to characterize the isostatic strength of the ceramic article.

Abstract: A non-contact method of characterizing the isostatic strength of a ceramic member or article includes capturing a digital image of the ceramic article, and then forming a two-dimensional representation of the ceramic article and the web therein based on the captured digital image. The method also includes performing finite-element analysis on the two-dimensional representation of the ceramic article using a select amount of simulated isostatic pressure to determine a maximum stress value within the two-dimensional representation of the web. The method further includes using the maximum stress value to characterize the isostatic strength of the ceramic article.

Abstract: Systems (50) and methods for measuring and displaying a visual and/or graphical representation of the specific modulus (E/?) of a cellular ceramic body (10), such as those used to form particulate filters, are disclosed. The ultrasonic measurement system employs an ultrasonic transmitter (52T) and an ultrasonic receiver (52R) adjacent to, but spaced apart from respective ends (16, 18) of the ceramic body. Multiple ultrasonic waves (80) are sent through corresponding multiple longitudinal portions (12P) of the honeycomb structure (12), where adjacent longitudinal portions overlap. Time of flight (TOF) measurements (TOF1, TOF2), along with other parameters describing the ceramic body, allow for the measurement of the sonic speed (cmat) of the ultrasonic waves that pass through the ceramic body as well as the attenuation (IR). The specific modulus is then calculated from the square of the sonic speed (C2mat).

Abstract: A system and method for detecting defective cells in honeycomb bodies which includes a light source which launches and couples light into cells at a first end face of the honeycomb body, and a projection medium which receives the light at a second end face of the honeycomb body. The light source is preferably a collimated light source.

Abstract: A apparatus and method for detecting defects in a honeycomb body. In operation, the particulates emerge at an outlet end face of the honeycomb body through defects, if any, in the honeycomb walls and/or plugs and passes though a permeable member, such as a screen, where they are illuminated. The permeable member is disposed adjacent to and preferably in contact with the outlet end. Use of the permeable member improves the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) such that defects may be more readily detected. The permeable member preferably includes an anti-reflective surface.

Abstract: Systems (50) and methods for measuring and displaying a visual and/or graphical representation of the specific modulus (E/?) of a cellular ceramic body (10), such as those used to form particulate filters, are disclosed. The ultrasonic measurement system employs an ultrasonic transmitter (52T) and an ultrasonic receiver (52R) adjacent to, but spaced apart from respective ends (16, 18) of the ceramic body. Multiple ultrasonic waves (80) are sent through corresponding multiple longitudinal portions (12P) of the honeycomb structure (12), where adjacent longitudinal portions overlap. Time of flight (TOF) measurements (TOF1, TOF2), along with other parameters describing the ceramic body, allow for the measurement of the sonic speed (cmat) of the ultrasonic waves that pass through the ceramic body as well as the attenuation (IR). The specific modulus is then calculated from the square of the sonic speed (C2mat).

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for detecting defects in a honeycomb body. The system and apparatus include a fixture adapted to hold the honeycomb body, a particulate fluid source, a pipe which defines a flow path between the particulate fluid source and a first end face of the honeycomb body thereby allowing particulate fluid to flow from the particulate fluid source to the first end face of the honeycomb body. The particulate fluid emerges at a second end face of the honeycomb body through defects, if any, in the honeycomb body where the positions of such defects may be monitored. The system and apparatus includes a flow straightener disposed in the flow path to minimize boundary layer influence of the pipe on the flow of the particulate fluid. A substantially uniform velocity flow profile is provided to the first end face of the honeycomb body.

Abstract: A method and system for manufacturing a mask for plugging cells in a honeycomb substrate includes capturing an image of the substrate's end through an end-adhered transparent or translucent film using a camera, forming openings using a laser, wherein a working distance, WDC, of the camera while capturing the image is substantially the same as a working distance, WDL, of the laser while forming the openings. Also disclosed is an apparatus for manufacturing a mask on a honeycomb substrate, having a laser to form openings in a film applied to the substrate's end; and an optical system, wherein either the optical system or the substrate is moveable between first and second operating positions. In a first embodiment, the camera moves whereas in the second, the substrate moves. In each embodiment, the image is obtained without obstructing the path of the laser.

Abstract: A method for testing integrity of a plugged honeycomb structure includes forming a condenser at a first end of the honeycomb structure, passing a vaporous stream into a second end of the honeycomb structure, wherein a column of the vaporous stream emerges at the first end of the honeycomb structure from cells in the honeycomb structure that are defective, and observing the first end of the honeycomb structure for condensation spots formed by contact between the column of the vaporous stream emerging at the first end of the honeycomb structure and the condenser. An apparatus for accomplishing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for detecting defects in a honeycomb filter body. In operation, a gas flow stream containing particulates emerges at an outlet end face of the honeycomb body through defects, if any, in the honeycomb walls and/or plugs where they are illuminated. The gas flow stream containing the particles are provided at varying flow rates, pressures and particle densities during the course of the test cycle, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio, and reducing turbulence within the gas flow stream such that any defects within the filter body may be more readily detected.