Laser-Based Detection of Fatigue Cracks for In-Service Aircraft Bolts and Wheels

ABSTRACT: Inspection for fatigue cracks in in-service aircraft bolts and wheels is an Air Force requirement that must be conducted through periodic maintenance or prior to rebuilding the assemblies.Current inspection methods include magnetic particle (MT) and penetrant testing (PT).These methods have significant disadvantages, including the generation of hazardous waste, false positives especially around high curvature features (e.g., threads), and requirements for trained users, all of which increase maintenance hours and cost.Creare proposes to develop an automated approach that can detect cracks in wheels and bolts, and is robust enough to handle localized high-curvature surfaces.In Phase I, we will establish basic feasibility of our approach and complete a preliminary design for a Phase II prototype.During Phase II, we will develop a prototype system, evaluate it in a laboratory setting, and demonstrate it in a production environment.During Phase III, we will complete qualification and transition of the system to the Air Force and prepare it for commercial sales.; BENEFIT: The proposed technology will provide a new capability for rapid inspection of in-service aircraft bolts and wheels.Our fast and automated approach will result in significant cost savings to the Air Force by reducing maintenance hours and requirements of skilled workers for interpretation of test data.Our technology has the potential to replace the DoDs antiquated crack detection approaches, and can do the same for the commercial market.