Cooperative Belief-Driven Search and Tracking (Ultrasonic Nondestructive Inspection of Composite Structures)
Abstract
The aim of this project is to develop a new approach to automatically and rapidly quantifying invisible defects in a composite structure through enhanced analysis of data from ultrasonic nondestructive inspection (NDI) methods. Technically, the project is aimed at developing rapid automated techniques that interrogate output from ultrasonic NDI equipment to identify the presence of defects in composite structures. The complexity of composite materials and structures make return signals complex and difficult to interpret. The proposed enhanced signal analysis attempts to identify the presence of defects by modeling signals and geometries more accurately than existing techniques. This method also will identify the type of defect (e.g., delamination, disbonding, foreign body inclusions, and porosity) as well as its location and size. The proposed enhanced signal analysis is recursively performed by utilizing active sensing. The most commonly used NDI techniques for composite structures are based on the transmission and reflection of ultrasonic waves. The patterns of such reflected and transmitted signals are used to detect anomalies in the structure indicating defects. The proposed approach will enhance images acquired experimentally by modeling wave propagation in composite materials and incorporating finite element analysis (FEA). The outcome of this research will benefit both the manufacture and maintenance of composite structures, particularly for aerospace applications. The achievement of the stated objectives will lead to more cost-effective and reliable NDI, greatly reduced elapse time for the testing of large structures, and reduced aircraft down-time. As the U.S. military moves towards greater utilization of composite aircraft structures, the implementation of such systems will lead to substantial cost savings and to greater utilization of high-value assets.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 29, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA513300
Entities
People
- Tomonari Furukawa
Organizations
- Virginia Tech