System and method for testing a composite structure using a laser ultrasound testing system

A method and apparatus for testing a composite structure. A pulsed laser beam having a number of properties is generated. Each of the number of properties is within a selected range. The pulsed laser beam generated by the generation laser system is directed towards a composite structure comprised of a number of composite materials. A number of ultrasonic waves are formed in the composite structure when the pulsed laser beam contacts the composite structure without causing any undesired inconsistencies in the composite structure outside of selected tolerances.

Laser ultrasound testing in limited-access areas

A method and apparatus for inspecting a structure. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus comprises a laser system located outside of an area that includes a region of a structure to be inspected, a mobile platform located within the area to be inspected, and a projection system associated with the mobile platform. The laser system is configured to generate a laser beam. The projection system receives the laser beam and projects the laser beam onto a surface of the region of the structure. The laser beam causes a number of ultrasonic waves to form within the structure.

Monitoring Composite Manufacturing and Repair Processes Using Chromatic Films

A composite structure is processed using heat and pressure. A chromatic film is placed in proximity to the composite structure and is used to monitor at least one of the temperature of the heat and the pressure during processing. 115-. (canceled)16. Apparatus for curing a composite structure using heat and pressure , comprising:a tool adapted to have a composite structure layup placed thereon;and,a chromatic film located in proximity to the composite structure layup for monitoring at least one of heat and pressure to which the composite structure layup is subjected17. The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the chromatic film includes at least one of a thermochromatic dye claim 16 , and a mechanochromatic dye.18. The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the chromatic film overlies and substantially covers an entire area of the composite structure.19. The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the chromatic film substantially surrounds a periphery of the composite structure.20. The apparatus of claim 16 , further comprisinga vacuum bag adapted to be sealed over the composite structure layup for applying compaction pressure to the composite structure layup during curing, andwherein the chromatic film is integrated with the vacuum bag.21. The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the chromatic film is responsive to at least one of heat and pressure applied to the composite structure layup during curing to provide a visual indication of whether the at least one of heat and pressure is outside a range of preselected values during the curing.22. The apparatus of claim 16 , further comprising:a source of illumination for illuminating the chromatic film with light; and,a camera for recording an image of the chromatic film.23. A device used in vacuum bag processing of a composite part to monitor at least one process parameter claim 16 , comprising:a chromatic film responsive to at least one processing parameter to indicate whether the parameter is outside of a preselected range of values during ...

Monitoring composite manufacturing and repair processes using chromatic films

A composite structure is processed using heat and pressure. A chromatic film is placed in proximity to the composite structure and is used to monitor at least one of the temperature of the heat and the pressure during processing.

Method and system for monitoring and verifying a manufacturing process

A method for monitoring and verifying a manufacturing process performed by an operator on a workpiece in a work area. The method includes positioning one or more cameras in the work area, such that the operator and the workpiece are in a field of view of each of the cameras. The method includes using a computer system configured for controlling the cameras to record and process images of the workpiece and images of operator actions relating to the manufacturing process, all recorded by the cameras during or at completion of each of a plurality of tasks in the manufacturing process to obtain recorded images. The method includes storing the recorded images, comparing the recorded images against a reference image library comprising references images corresponding to each recorded image to detect any differences between the recorded image and the respective corresponding reference image, and generating a data record.

Ultrasonic modeling for inspection of composite irregularities

The present disclosure relates generally to nondestructive evaluation of materials and, more particularly, to ultrasonic modeling for inspection of composite irregularities. A first simulated inspection is conducted to provide a first waveform data set associated with the at least one irregularity (270, 450) parameter. The first simulated inspection is conducted using a first evaluation setting. A first image (572) is produced based on the first waveform set, and it is determined whether a quality of the first image (572) satisfies a predetermined threshold.

Quantification of wrinkles in composite objects

A method and apparatus for evaluating an object having a wrinkle. Energy is sent into the object at a plurality of locations using an array of transmitting elements. Reflected energy is received at an array of receiving elements in response to a portion of the energy being reflected off a plurality of layers in the object. A three-dimensional model of the wrinkle in the object is created based on the reflected energy received at the array of receiving elements.

Monitoring composite manufacturing and repair processes using chromatic films

A composite structure is processed using heat and pressure. A chromatic film is placed in proximity to the composite structure and is used to monitor at least one of the temperature of the heat and the pressure during processing.

Method for creating non-inserted artificial disbonds or delaminations for nondestructive inspection test standards

A method for creation of a non-destructive inspection (NDI) standard employs a coupon of bonded layers or a composite structure having a predetermined thickness. A predetermined pulse width is defined. The coupon and a laser source are positioned with respect to one another and the laser source is used to create a laser pulse having the predetermined pulse width to create a disbond or delamination in the bond layer at a predetermined location. The coupon may then be used as a standard for calibration of NDI inspection tools by scanning the coupon with the tool to provide an inspection output. The output is then examined to confirm that the disbond or delamination in the coupon is properly identified in the output.

System and method for providing simulated ultrasound porosity waveforms

A system and method is disclosed for generating ultrasound results having a simulated level of porosity for a composite. Data for a set of composite coupons having different levels of porosity is obtained. An attenuation distribution function is fit to a back wall signal generated from the data for each coupon and a library of echo patterns based on such data is created. An interpolated attenuation distribution function is calculated based on an interpolation of two stored attenuation distribution functions having the closest porosity values to the selected level. A main attenuation distribution function value is assigned to one portion of a selected region in a zero porosity coupon and attenuation distribution functions values within a predetermined percentage of the main attenuation distribution function are assigned to other portions of the region. Waveforms associated with the portions are modified based on such values and selected echo patterns from the library.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING SIMULATED ULTRASOUND POROSITY WAVEFORMS

A system and method is disclosed for generating ultrasound results having a simulated level of porosity for a composite. Data for a set of composite coupons having different levels of porosity is obtained. An attenuation distribution function is fit to a back wall signal generated from the data for each coupon and a library of echo patterns based on such data is created. An interpolated attenuation distribution function is calculated based on an interpolation of two stored attenuation distribution functions having the closest porosity values to the selected level. A main attenuation distribution function value is assigned to one portion of a selected region in a zero porosity coupon and attenuation distribution functions values within a predetermined percentage of the main attenuation distribution function are assigned to other portions of the region. Waveforms associated with the portions are modified based on such values and selected echo patterns from the library. 1. A method for generating simulated ultrasound test results having a selected level of porosity for a particular material under test , comprising the steps of:selecting a region of ultrasound test results for a coupon among a set of coupons of a selected material, the selected region within a region of porosity below a predetermined minimum threshold, the selected region for adding a predetermined amount of simulated porosity, the region of the ultrasound test results comprising a plurality of ultrasound waveforms;calculating a main attenuation distribution function based on an interpolation of two of a set of stored attenuation distribution functions for the set of coupons, one of the two stored attenuation distribution functions for a coupon in the set of coupons having a porosity less than the predetermined amount of simulated porosity and the other of the two stored attenuation distribution functions for a coupon in the set of coupons having a porosity greater than predetermined amount of simulated ...

Transducer with dry adhesive couplant

A transducer for stimulating an article under test with ultrasonic vibration may include a transducer body having a transmitting face and configured to generate ultrasonic vibration through the transmitting face, and an couplant mounted on the transmitting face, the couplant having a multiplicity of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes extending therefrom in a direction substantially normal to the transmitting face.

Bond evaluation using piezochromic fluorescence

A composite bonded structure with integral stress sensing and bond evaluation system incorporates a bonded structure having a first component, a second component and a layer of adhesive bonding the first and second components. The layer of adhesive includes multiple embedded fluorescing particles which emit a first spectral intensity in an unstressed condition and a second spectral intensity in a stressed condition. A bond evaluation apparatus is then employed for measuring spectral intensity.

Molybdenum composite hybrid laminates and methods

A method of forming a molybdenum composite hybrid laminate is disclosed. The method includes treating a surface of each of a plurality of molybdenum foil layers. The method further includes interweaving the surface treated molybdenum foil layers with a plurality of composite material layers. The method further includes bonding with an adhesive layer each of the surface treated molybdenum foil layers to adjacent composite material layers to form a molybdenum composite hybrid laminate having improved yield strength.

Molybdenum Composite Hybrid Laminates and Methods

In an embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a molybdenum composite hybrid laminate. The laminate has a plurality of composite material layers. The laminate further has a plurality of surface treated molybdenum foil layers interweaved between the composite material layers. The laminate further has a plurality of adhesive layers disposed between and bonding adjacent layers of the composite material layers and the molybdenum foil layers. 1. A molybdenum composite hybrid laminate comprising:a plurality of composite material layers;a plurality of surface treated molybdenum foil layers interweaved between the composite material layers; and,a plurality of adhesive layers disposed between and bonding adjacent layers of the composite material layers and the molybdenum foil layers.2. The laminate of claim 1 , wherein the composite material layer comprises a fiber-reinforced polymeric material.3. The laminate of claim 1 , wherein the surface treated molybdenum foil layer has a sufficient stiffness to leverage a fiber tensile strength and a fiber stiffness of off-axis fibers in adjacent composite material layers via Poisson's effects in the molybdenum foil layer.4. The laminate of claim 1 , wherein the laminate is used in a composite structure and improves yield strength in the composite structure.5. The laminate of claim 4 , wherein the composite structure comprises an aircraft composite structure.6. The laminate of claim 5 , wherein the molybdenum foil layers have a sufficient strength claim 5 , a sufficient stiffness claim 5 , and a sufficient electrical conductivity to enable the molybdenum foil layers to act as an aircraft keel beam and a current return path for dispersing electrical current from a lightning strike to the aircraft composite structure.7. The laminate of claim 1 , wherein the molybdenum foil layer is surface treated to improve bonding between the molybdenum foil layer and an adjacent composite material layer.8. The laminate of claim 1 , wherein the ...

Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer System

A method and apparatus for an electromagnetic acoustic transducer. An apparatus comprises a conductive material and a current inducer. The conductive material is configured to generate a magnetic field, wherein the magnetic field has magnetic flux lines that are substantially fixed and the conductive material has a temperature that is equal to or less than a critical temperature at which the conductive material has substantially zero electrical resistance. The current inducer is configured to cause an electric current to flow in a test object that interacts with the magnetic field, wherein the electric current has a frequency that generates an acoustic wave in the test object. 1. An apparatus comprising:a conductive material configured to generate a magnetic field, wherein the magnetic field has magnetic flux lines that are substantially fixed and wherein the conductive material has a temperature that is equal to or less than a critical temperature at which the conductive material has substantially zero electrical resistance; anda current inducer configured to cause an electric current to flow in a test object that interacts with the magnetic field, wherein the electric current has a frequency that generates an acoustic wave in the test object.2. The apparatus of further comprising:a cooling system configured to reduce the temperature of the conductive material to equal to or less than the critical temperature at which the conductive material has the substantially zero electrical resistance.3. The apparatus of further comprising:a vacuum system configured to create a vacuum around the conductive material.4. The apparatus of further comprising:a controller configured to cause the current inducer to generate the electric current with the frequency that causes the acoustic wave to have a desired frequency.5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the electric current is a first electric current and wherein the current inducer comprises:an antenna system; andan alternating ...

ULTRASONIC MODELING FOR INSPECTION OF COMPOSITE IRREGULARITIES

A first simulated inspection is conducted to provide a first waveform data set associated with the at least one irregularity parameter. The first simulated inspection is conducted using a first evaluation setting. A first image is produced based on the first waveform set, and it is determined whether a quality of the first image satisfies a predetermined threshold. 1. A method for use in inspecting a composite structure , said method comprising:defining at least one irregularity parameter;conducting a first simulated inspection to provide a first waveform data set associated with the at least one irregularity parameter, wherein the first simulated inspection is conducted using a first evaluation setting;producing a first image based on the first waveform set; anddetermining whether a quality of the first image satisfies a predetermined threshold.2. A method in accordance with further comprising identifying the first evaluation setting as a desired evaluation setting for use in inspecting the composite structure.3. A method in accordance with further comprising:conducting a second simulated inspection to provide a second waveform data set associated with the at least one irregularity parameter, wherein the second simulated inspection is conducted using a second evaluation setting that is different from the first evaluation setting, wherein the quality of the first image does not satisfy the predetermined threshold;producing a second image based on the second waveform set;determining that a quality of the second image satisfies a predetermined threshold; andidentifying the second evaluation setting as a desired evaluation setting for use in inspecting the composite structure.4. A method in accordance with further comprising generating at least one model based on the at least one irregularity parameter claim 1 , wherein the model is a graphical representation of the at least one irregularity parameter.5. A method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein defining at least ...

Tension Wave Generation System

A method and apparatus for generating a tension wave. A beam of coherent light is directed to an absorber surface of a transducer structure. A compression wave is generated within the transducer structure. The compression wave is reflected on a reflecting surface of the transducer structure to form the tension wave. The tension wave is directed through a test object in a desired direction using a configuration of the reflecting surface relative to the test object. 1. A method for generating a tension wave , the method comprising:directing a beam of coherent light to an absorber surface of a transducer structure, wherein a compression wave is generated within the transducer structure;reflecting the compression wave on a reflecting surface of the transducer structure to form the tension wave; anddirecting the tension wave through a test object in a desired direction using a configuration of the reflecting surface relative to the test object.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein directing the beam of coherent light to the absorber surface of the transducer structure claim 1 , wherein the compression wave is generated within the transducer structure comprises:directing the beam of coherent light to an absorber connected to the absorber surface of the transducer structure, wherein the absorber is configured to absorb the beam of coherent light and generate the compression wave within the transducer structure.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the compression wave travels through the transducer structure to the reflecting surface and forms the tension wave that travels in the desired direction through the transducer structure through a coupling surface of the transducer structure coupled to the test object.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the test object is comprised of a first structure and a second structure bonded to each other at a bond line.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the desired direction for the tension wave is through the bond line.6. The method of claim 5 , ...

Ultrasound Inspection System of Limited Access Composite Structures

A method for and apparatus for inspecting a location on a test object with a number of obstructions to reaching the location. An elongate optical fiber carrier holding a number of optical fibers is moved to the location on the test object with the number of obstructions to reaching the location. A pattern of light is transmitted from the number of optical fibers onto a surface of the test object at the location. The pattern of the light is configured to cause sound waves in the test object when the pattern of the light encounters the surface of the test object. A response is detected to the sound waves using the number of optical fibers.

System and Method for Testing a Composite Structure Using a Laser Ultrasound Testing System

A method and apparatus for testing a composite structure. A pulsed laser beam having a number of properties is generated. Each of the number of properties is within a selected range. The pulsed laser beam generated by the generation laser system is directed towards a composite structure comprised of a number of composite materials. A number of ultrasonic waves are formed in the composite structure when the pulsed laser beam contacts the composite structure without causing any undesired inconsistencies in the composite structure outside of selected tolerances. 1. A laser ultrasound testing system comprising:a generation laser system configured to generate a pulsed laser beam having a number of properties in which each of the number of properties is within a selected range; anda transmission system configured to direct the pulsed laser beam generated by the generation laser system towards a composite structure comprised of a number of composite materials, wherein a number of ultrasonic waves are formed in the composite structure when the pulsed laser beam contacts the composite structure without causing any undesired inconsistencies in the composite structure outside of selected tolerances.2. The laser ultrasound testing system of claim 1 , wherein the number of properties includes at least one of a pulse repetition rate claim 1 , a spot size claim 1 , an energy per pulse claim 1 , an optical fluence per pulse claim 1 , and a principal absorption material.3. The laser ultrasound testing system of claim 2 , wherein the selected range for the pulse repetition rate is between about 10 claim 2 ,000 hertz and about 500 claim 2 ,000 hertz.4. The laser ultrasound testing system of claim 2 , wherein the selected range for the spot size is less than about 1 millimeter.5. The laser ultrasound testing system of claim 2 , wherein the selected range for the energy per pulse is between about 1 microjoule and about 10 claim 2 ,000 microjoules.6. The laser ultrasound testing system ...

Apparatus And A Method For Measuring In-Plane Elastic Constants For A Laminate

An apparatus is provided that includes a wave generator, plurality of transducers and processing device. The wave generator may be configured to simultaneously generate a plurality of acoustic waves that propagate through a laminate along a plurality of in-plane directions. The transducers may be spaced apart from one another and positionable at one or more known distances from the wave generator along respective in-plane directions. The transducers may be configured to detect acoustic waves propagating through the laminate along the respective in-plane directions. The processing device may be coupled to the transducers and configured to simultaneously calculate a plurality of elastic constants of the laminate as a function of velocities of the acoustic waves detected by the transducers. And the processing device may be configured to calculate the velocities as a function of the known distance(s) and arrival times of the acoustic waves at the transducers. 1. An apparatus comprising:a wave generator configured to simultaneously generate a plurality of acoustic waves that propagate through a laminate along a plurality of in-plane directions;a plurality of transducers spaced apart from one another and positionable at one or more known distances from the wave generator along respective in-plane directions, the transducers being configured to detect acoustic waves propagating through the laminate along the respective in-plane directions; anda processing device coupled to the transducers and configured to simultaneously calculate a plurality of elastic constants of the laminate as a function of velocities of the acoustic waves detected by the transducers, the processing device being configured to calculate the velocities as a function of the one or more known distances and arrival times of the acoustic waves at the transducers.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the wave generator comprises a target inducible to generate ultrasonic waves by an energy source configured ...

Transducer with dry adhesive couplant

A transducer for stimulating an article under test with ultrasonic vibration may include a transducer body having a transmitting face and configured to generate ultrasonic vibration through the transmitting face, and an couplant mounted on the transmitting face, the couplant having a multiplicity of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes extending therefrom in a direction substantially normal to the transmitting face.

BOND EVALUATION USING PIEZOCHROMIC FLUORESCENCE

A composite bonded structure with integral stress sensing and bond evaluation system incorporates a bonded structure having a first component, a second component and a layer of adhesive bonding the first and second components. The layer of adhesive includes multiple embedded fluorescing particles which emit a first spectral intensity in an unstressed condition and a second spectral intensity in a stressed condition. A bond evaluation apparatus is then employed for measuring spectral intensity. 1. A process for bond stress measurement comprising:identifying fluorescing particles sensitive to stress;mixing the fluorescing particles within adhesives subsequently used in a bond between two layers of material;providing a stimulus light of appropriate wavelength;observing characteristics of fluorescent light emitted from the fluorescing particles, said emitted light being indicative of the stress experienced by the fluorescing particles; andtranslating the fluorescent light characteristics into stress data.2. The process of wherein fluorescing particles are first dispersed within small diameter transparent fiber claim 1 , chopping the fiber into small lengths and mixing the fibers with the adhesive.3. The process as defined in wherein at least one of the two layers of material contains at least one hole allowing transmission of the stimulus light and fluorescent light emissions.4. The process as defined in wherein the hole is either open claim 3 , filled with a transparent polymer claim 3 , or filled with a glass fiber.5. The process as defined in wherein the step of translating the fluorescent light characteristics includes:measuring a spectral intensity of the fluorescent light with the fluorescing particles in an unstressed condition; and,measuring a shifted spectral intensity of the fluorescent light with stress present in the bond.6. The process as defined in further wherein the step of observing the fluorescent light includes scanning the light source or the ...

STRUCTURAL BOND INSPECTION

A method for determining the presence of damage in a structure includes applying energy to the structure to induce tension shockwaves in the structure. The method also includes detecting sound waves caused by the tension shockwaves using at least one acoustic emission sensor on the surface of the structure. Additionally, the method includes determining the presence of damage in the structure due to the applied energy based on detected sound waves. 1. A method for determining a presence of damage in a structure , comprising:applying energy to the structure to induce tension shockwaves in the structure;detecting sound waves caused by the tension shockwaves using at least one acoustic emission sensor on a surface of the structure; anddetermining the presence of damage in the structure due to the applied energy based on detected sound waves.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein detecting the sound waves comprises detecting frequency characteristics of the sound waves claim 1 , and determining the presence of damage in the structure is based on detected frequency characteristics of the sound waves.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the frequency characteristics comprise a change in a characteristic frequency associated with the structure when no damage is present claim 2 , and wherein the presence of the change in the characteristic frequency indicates damage in the structure.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising estimating expected sound waves claim 1 , and wherein determining the presence of damage in the structure comprises comparing the expected sound waves with detected sound waves.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the expected sound waves are estimated based on characteristics of applied energy to the structure.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the detected sound waves are analyzed to produce a Fast Fourier Transform pattern.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one acoustic emission sensor is one of fixedly secured to the structure or movable ...

METHOD FOR CREATING NON-INSERTED ARTIFICIAL DISBONDS OR DELAMINATIONS FOR NONDESTRUCTIVE INSPECTION TEST STANDARDS

A method for creation of a non-destructive inspection (NDI) standard employs a coupon of bonded layers or a composite structure having a predetermined thickness. A predetermined pulse width is defined. The coupon and a laser source are positioned with respect to one another and the laser source is used to create a laser pulse having the predetermined pulse width to create a disbond or delamination in the bond layer at a predetermined location. The coupon may then be used as a standard for calibration of NDI inspection tools by scanning the coupon with the tool to provide an inspection output. The output is then examined to confirm that the disbond or delamination in the coupon is properly identified in the output. 1. A method for creating a non-destructive inspection (NDI) standard , the method comprising:selecting a coupon having a predetermined thickness;defining a predetermined pulse width;positioning the coupon and a laser source relative to one another; and,using the laser source to generate a laser pulse having the predetermined pulse width to create at least one defect in the coupon, wherein the predetermined pulse width is shorter than a travel time of the laser pulse through the thickness of the coupon.2. The method as defined in wherein the laser source is controllable to produce a laser pulse with a controllable pulse width claim 1 , beam shape and impulse power.3. The method as defined in wherein the laser pulse has a beam shape and wherein the beam shape produces a desired defect shape.4. The method as defined in wherein the laser pulse has an impulse power and wherein the impulse power produces a desired defect size.5. The method as defined in further comprising:defining a predetermined path for sequentially positioning the laser source and the coupon relative to one another for creating a defect profile; and,sequentially pulsing the laser source on the predetermined path to create the defect profile.6. The method as defined in wherein the coupon is a ...

Molybdenum composite hybrid laminates and methods

A method of forming a molybdenum composite hybrid laminate is disclosed. The method includes treating a surface of each of a plurality of molybdenum foil layers. The method further includes interweaving the surface treated molybdenum foil layers with a plurality of composite material layers. The method further includes bonding with an adhesive layer each of the surface treated molybdenum foil layers to adjacent composite material layers to form a molybdenum composite hybrid laminate having improved yield strength.

Apparatus and a method for measuring in-plane elastic constants for a laminate

An apparatus (100) is provided that includes a wave generator (104), plurality of transducers (106) and processing device (112). The wave generator (104) may be configured to simultaneously generate a plurality of acoustic waves that propagate through a laminate (102) along a plurality of in-plane directions. The transducers (106) may be spaced apart from one another and positionable at one or more known distances from the wave generator (104) along respective in-plane directions. The transducers (106) may be configured to detect acoustic waves propagating through the laminate (102) along the respective in-plane directions. The processing device (112) may be coupled to the transducers (106) and configured to simultaneously calculate a plurality of elastic constants of the laminate (102) as a function of velocities of the acoustic waves detected by the transducers (106). And the processing device (112) may be configured to calculate the velocities as a function of the known distance(s) and arrival times of the acoustic waves at the transducers (106).

Bond evaluation using piezoechromic fluorescence

A composite bonded structure with integral stress sensing and bond evaluation system incorporates a bonded structure having a first component (25), a second component (30) and a layer of adhesive (35) bonding the first and second components. The layer of adhesive includes multiple embedded fluorescing particles (90) which emit a first spectral intensity in an unstressed condition and a second spectral intensity in a stressed condition. A bond evaluation apparatus is then employed for measuring spectral intensity.

Molybdenum composite hybrid laminates and methods

In an embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a molybdenum composite hybrid laminate. The laminate has a plurality of composite material layers. The laminate further has a plurality of surface treated molybdenum foil layers interweaved between the composite material layers. The laminate further has a plurality of adhesive layers disposed between and bonding adjacent layers of the composite material layers and the molybdenum foil layers.

Adhesive mix monitor

A system for measuring a mixture ratio associated with a two-part fluid, at least one of the two parts including conductive particles. The system includes a pair of electrodes (126, 128), a circuit (112), and an output. The electrodes are disposed on opposite sides of the two-part fluid and sense the dielectric strength of the fluid. The circuit communicates with the electrodes to sense the dielectric strength and outputs a signal representing the dielectric strength. Preferably, the circuit includes a capacitive bridge (118), an input for a set-point, and an output for an error signal. Also, the system can include a housing for the electrodes. A timer (128) may also be provided to measure the time elapsed from the beginning of the mixing of the two-part fluid. Preferably, the two-part fluid is an adhesive with aluminum particles that is made from a resin and a hardener. Methods of producing two-part fluids are also provided.

Method for testing a test object and apparatus

resumo patente de invenção: "sistema de inspeção de hidrochoque". a presente invenção refere-se a um método e um aparelho para testar um objeto de teste (204). uma onda de estresse (228) é gerada em um fluido (306) no interior de uma cavidade (302) em uma estrutura (300). a onda de estresse (228) é direcionada através do fluido (306) no interior da cavidade (302) no objeto de teste (204) invention patent summary: "hydroshock inspection system". the present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for testing a test object (204). a stress wave (228) is generated in a fluid (306) inside a cavity (302) in a structure (300). the stress wave (228) is directed through the fluid (306) inside the cavity (302) in the test object (204)

Mems based kelvin probe for material state characterization

A device and method for monitoring the material health of a structure, providing a miniaturized MEMS Kelvin probe within a housing, wherein the Kelvin probe comprises a conductive plate formed of a stable metal and positioned substantially parallel to the structure; a piezoelectric vibrator for vibrating the conductive plate; and an electrical circuit connected to the conductive plate and the structure, wherein the conductive plate and the structure form a capacitor. The device is contained in one small, lightweight package that can be placed at one or more locations of interest. The sensor can be left in-place for continuous monitoring or for active testing at desired intervals, or be brought to the aircraft at desired intervals.

Lamb waves for laser bond inspection

Exemplary embodiments are disclosed for the use of Lamb waves in laser bond inspection.

Molybdenum composite hybrid laminates and methods

In an embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a molybdenum composite hybrid laminate. The laminate has a plurality of composite material layers. The laminate further has a plurality of surface treated molybdenum foil layers interweaved between the composite material layers. The laminate further has a plurality of adhesive layers disposed between and bonding adjacent layers of the composite material layers and the molybdenum foil layers.

Non-destructive inspection device for inspecting limited-acces features of a structure

Method and apparatus for inspecting a workpiece with angularly offset ultrasonic signals

A method and apparatus are provided to identify unacceptable levels of porosity, microcracking or defects attributable to thermal damage. Ultrasonic signals are introduced into the workpiece, such as by means of an ultrasonic transmitter. The ultrasonic signals propagate along a predefined axis of propagation oriented at an offset angle relative to a predefined reference direction oriented normal to the workpiece. Backscattered signals are received, such as by an ultrasonic receiver, from the workpiece. A measure representative of the cumulative energy of the backscattered signals received over a predefined time interval is then determined, such as integration performed by a processing element. An anomalous response may then be detected based upon the measure representative of the cumulative energy of the backscattered signals. This anomalous response may be representative of at least a predefined amount of porosity, microcracking or thermal damage.

System and method for testing a composite structure using a laser ultrasound testing system

レーザー超音波検査システムを使用して複合構造を検査するためのシステム及び方法

【課題】複合構造を検査するレーザー超音波検査システムを提供する。 【解決手段】任意の数のプロパティ１２８を有するパルスレーザービーム１２１が生成される。任意の数のプロパティ１２８の各々は、選択された範囲内にある。生成レーザーシステム１１４により生成されたパルスレーザービーム１２１は、任意の数の複合材料からなる複合構造１０４に方向付けられる。選択された公差外の複合構造１０４に任意の好ましくない不整合性をもたらすことなく、パルスレーザービーム１２１が複合構造１０４に接触すると、任意の数の超音波１３８が複合構造１０４で形成される。 【選択図】図１

Ultrasound inspection system of limited access composite structures

Sub-wavelength ultrasound characterization of composite material using compressed sensing

CT phantom housing

System and method for testing a composite structure using a laser ultrasound testing system

Remote nondestructive inspection systems and methods

Remote nondestructive inspection systems and methods

Remote nondestructive inspection systems and methods

Systems and methods are disclosed for providing nondestructive inspection (NDI) services. For example in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a system for remote inspection includes a nondestructive inspection (NDI) system configured to examine a structure and provide NDI data related to a damage condition of the structure, the NDI system being configured to communicate the NDI data to a remote location; and a remote computer disposed at the remote location, the remote computer being configured to receive the NDI data and provide the received NDI data for a review, the remote computer being configured to communicate an analytical result based on the review to the NDI system, the analytical result including a repair disposition decision corresponding to the damage condition.

Method and apparatus for testing a composite object, using tension waves

Method And Apparatus For Tagging And Identifying A Target

A method and apparatus for identifying and tagging a target, such an individual or an item, are described that provide an improved mechanism for identifying the target without alerting the target. In this regard, a method and apparatus can irradiate the target so as to create a radioisotope signature for the target. By thereafter monitoring the radioisotope signature, the target can be identified and tracked in a covert manner.