Research on Advanced Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) Methods for Aerospace Structures
Abstract
Studies were conducted to determine the capabilities and limitations of ultrasonic, eddy-current, x-ray CT and wavelet analysis techniques for characterizing aerospace-material properties and for detecting and quantifying defects in aerospace materials. Digital signal-processing techniques were applied to conventional ultrasonic signals to improve mapping of corrosion. Acoustic microscopy methods were studied for fiber-matrix interface characterization, evaluating multi-fiber-reinforced materials and for rapid mapping of Rayleigh-wave velocities. The circumferential creeping wave technique was optimized for detection of cracks emanating from fuel weep-holes in wet-wing aircraft. Capabilities of the MAUS III were demonstrated at trade shows, professional society meetings and conferences. The High Precision Scanning Acoustic Microscope was used to characterize corrosion pits and exfoliation corrosion, and to image voids in ceramic capacitors and laser-shock-peened engine blades. Dozens of X-ray CT application scans were made for governmental agencies and industrial companies. Digital imaging techniques were developed to improve the detection of corrosion in eddy-current images and a study was conducted to determine the reliability of an eddy-current inspection system. Software and hardware for the experimental equipment were developed and upgraded to maintain the state-of-the-art status of the AFRL/MLLP-branch systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA367084
Entities
People
- Alan Berens
- Brian Frock
- Edward Klosterman
- Jeffrey Fox
- Prasanna Karpur
Organizations
- University of Dayton