The advanced ECT, NDE and structural analysis technologies proposed here would enable inspectors to detect extremely small defects with a simple to install, operate and interpret NDE technology. Eddy current testing is the most widely used NDE technique with a market value in excess of $200M/year in the US alone. Some of the commercial market areas where the new technology has promise include: pipelines, heat exchangers, oil refineries, aircraft, ship and other transport vehicle inspection, jet engine inspection, manufacturing and QA of metallic components.
The proposed technology provides an entirely new method for structural analysis and NDE that permits the long-term high resolution detection of minute defects and aging effects in difficult to access areas. The proposed NDE technology will be useful for inspecting crew compartments, fuel tanks, flight surfaces, support structures, engine casings, titanium castings, hydraulic lines and other components that are made of standard or advanced metallic materials. The technology will permit inspection of thick components in 3-D. For materials testing and development, incipient defects can be detected and their propagation monitored and analyzed during aging. Since the technology can be used to improve manufacturing and the selection of materials, and to test finished components and aging systems, it will have a broad impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of NASA missions.
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