Rapid Inspection & Characterization

Automated NDE Systems – Functional Demonstrations: Completed functional demos for two systems, the GIRAFFE infrared flash-based thermal inspection unit coupled with a 2D ultrasonic scanning inspection system and the PULSAR laser ultrasonic system.  In the case of the GIRAFFE system, the instrument was disassembled and shipped to an aircraft maintenance facility where it was reassembled and used to inspect a portion a Boeing VC-25 in the current fleet used for Air Force One presidential aircraft.  In both cases, the inspection data were verified to ensure the technology produced expected results. The systems performed as expected and were deemed functionally operational.

    Characterized In-Situ NDE Capability during AFP: Completed experiments to characterize the detection capabilities of the inspection system for Foreign Object Debris (FOD) consisting of poly backing paper. Pieces of the poly backing paper were inserted into an uncured composite layup mockup, and inspected with the In-Situ IR thermography system. The test results successfully demonstrated using thermographic methods, FOD pieces as small as 1/16th inch by ½ inch tall could be detected through a layer of uncured composite.

     Integrated NDE Framework – Open Sourced: an open-source, integrated tool suite and associated framework that streamlines the inspection and defect disposition process through model-assisted inspection optimization, automated defect analysis of NDE data, and mapping of NDE data into finite element analysis software was demonstrated on a stiffened panel with impact damage.