Alternative Nondestructive Testing Inspection Method of In-service Aircraft Bolts and Wheels

Vibrant proposes the application of Process Compensated Resonance Testing (PCRT) as an alternative to magnetic particle testing (MT) and penetrant testing (PT) for in-service aircraft wheel and bolt inspection. PCRT collects and analyzes a parts resonance frequencies to perform PASS/FAIL NDI, population characterization, outlier screening and part-to-itself inspection for critical aerospace components, including wheels and bolts. In Phase I, Vibrant demonstrated the feasibility of detecting damaged wheels and bolts with PCRT while overcoming the drawbacks of MT and PT. PCRT generates no hazardous waste and uses relatively simple equipment. PCRT inspections are very fast, typically requiring less than 10 seconds for a PASS/FAIL inspection of bolts and less than 1 minute for wheels, yielding a significant reduction in maintenance hours. PCRT systems automatically collect resonance frequencies and analyze them with statistical scoring methods, returning a PASS/FAIL result that requires no operator interpretation. PCRT does not require extensive cleaning of bolt threads, or strip and recoat of wheels. In Phase II of this project, Vibrant will continue developing PCRT wheel and bolt inspections, and demonstrate production/depot-grade PCRT systems that perform accurate, high-throughput inspection. Success in this program will set the stage for a Phase III transition to commercial and military applications.