Laser Shearography Equipment to Improve Nondestructive Inspection (NDI) Research
Abstract
The laser shearography equipment will expand WSU/NIAR capabilities for detecting flaws inmaterials by looking for flaw-induced strain anomalies. This nondestructive technique is capableof rapid inspection and improved detection of anomalies that are normally difficult, timeconsuming, and/or impossible to detect with conventional ultrasonic inspection techniques.Laser shearography is a reliable inspection technique that can inspect a wide range of advancednon-homogenous materials. It allows comparison of a test object in two states, a neutral and aloaded one. Software algorithms perform live image processing to identify variations in out-ofplanedeformations between both states which in turn reveal surface or sub-surfacediscontinuities or anomalies by highlighting local weaknesses under certain load conditions. Inaddition, complex shaped parts can be inspected using a laser light to measure displacement inthe sub-micrometer range, making it highly sensitive to discontinuities.Laser shearography is a non-contact inspection technique, so there are no concerns of test piececontamination. Furthermore, the area of interest can be displayed in near real-time images withlive and active results that can be printed and/or saved for future evaluations.The operator of the equipment can precisely determine discontinuity size, area, and locationimmediately on the test part. The system can operate at throughputs in the range of 100 to 500square feet per hour, compared to 10 square feet per hour using typical UT C-scan systems. Thisimproves inspection times considerably.A current research program has requested laser shearography over conventional ultrasonicinspection to be performed on their test article thus requiring outsourcing due to NIAR nothaving the equipment on-hand. In the past, several companies from aerospace, orbital vehicles,naval vessels, to bridges, have also inquired whether WSU/NIAR has this capability. Lasershearography brings the potential of new research opportunities due to added capability.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 04, 2017
- Source ID
- N000141712071
Entities
People
- Tim Hickey
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- Wichita State University