Enhanced Eddy Current Nondestructive Inspection Capability for Corrosion and Crack Detection of Aerospace Structures

This SBIR Phase II.5 program is aimed at reducing the vulnerability and enhancing the survivability of multiple aircraft platforms with specific interest in detecting second layer corrosion/material loss and second layer fatigue cracking in relatively thin structures. Large area scanning of metallic structure for fatigue crack detection in first and second layers is of general interest, including portability to new platforms for similar features such as cracks occurring at fasteners. JENTEK’s sensor technology, which includes the MWM-Array and MR-MWM-Array, will be adapted to meet the requirements of target applications which will be identified by the Navy under the program. A robust sensing solution is desired such that the Navy can adapt and qualify the tool for additional platforms with inspection needs that are within the scope of the program, yet not directly addressed as a target application. JENTEK’s lower-cost, 7-channel jET handheld impedance instrument will be the primary platform for which corrosion and crack detection inspections will be developed. JENTEK will support the Navy’s efforts to validate and verify the performance by providing capability demonstrations, jET systems with appropriate end effectors and sensors, and training. A successful program will ready the technology for near term transition to the fleet.