Advanced Nondestructive Inspection System for Development of Enhanced Processing Strategies for Smart Sustainment of Composite Structures
Abstract
Sustainment of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) structures require highly trained personnel for performance of labor-intensive non-destructive inspection (NDI) procedures. Due to hybrid material constructions present in modern fixed-wing and rotorcraft structures, inspectors must rely on proficiencies in multiple NDI methods. Skilled personnel are often difficult to obtain and recurring training requirements are increasingly costly for multi-method certification. Commonly, inspection methods are hand-held and inspection of large structures can become a multi-week process. In addition to inspection time, post-processing of data becomes labor-intensive and reporting is difficult with current technologies. Additionally, material design factors such as bonded constructions, ply transitions, adhesive squeeze-out, or next-generation thermoplasticwelded joints, increase complexity and decrease reliability of defect or damage indications. When performed manually, complex inspection procedures increase maintenance times and associated cost. With advances in aircraft design and construction, combined with stringent structural and safety requirements, a novel automated technique to accomplish routine inspections is warranted.The primary goal of this system is to foster the development of methodologies for automation of inspections performed on advanced composite structures allowing for clear accept/reject criteria and improved data management and storage. This automated inspection cell will provide a proving ground for advanced technologies used in the sustainment of any naval air, ground, or sea platform. This system will allow researchers to focus on implementation of current inspection technologies with high technology readiness levels (TRL) currently used in fleet sustainment for improvedtechnology transfer for future field deployment. While the focus of this effort will be onapplications for fixed-wing structures and rotorcraft blades, process flow is applicable to all structural elements, both of composite and metallic construction. Furthermore, this technology will allow for improved operational readiness through increased inspection rates, improved data accuracy and reliability, and decreased documentation costs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 09, 2021
- Source ID
- N000142112517
Entities
People
- Waruna Seneviratne
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- Wichita State University