High-Resolution, Low-Cost Ultrasound Camera for In-Service Composite NDI

摘要

Ultrasound is one of the best nondestructive methods for finding internal defects within composites, but current ultrasonic testing requires a highly trained specialist. Accidental impact damage cannot easily be found and quantified. A quick and easy inspection of aircraft composites in the field is badly needed. Through an ongoing project with Boeing, Imperium, Inc. will report on the results of the use of a novel ultrasound camera for in-service NDT of composites that alleviates these limitations. The ultrasound camera is based on a patented imaging array that generates real time ultrasound images over an area, similar to a conventional camcorder. A non-specialized technician can easily interpret the video. To use, a handheld probe is placed against the target under study and real time subsurface imagery appears on a display. The system is fully portable and requires little training. Compared to other NDT methods, the advantages of this include very rapid damage assessment. During this paper we will report on Boeing's implementation of device as describe some results that the device has provided. We will also report on the system being used in a field environment by non-specialists at an airport loading gate by airlines.