An Advanced Ultrasonic Imaging System using Time-Reversal MUSIC Technique for Rapid Inspection of Ultra Large, Complex Composite Structures

NASA seeks advanced Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) sensor systems with advanced processing and displays to provide reliable assessments of the location and severity for large, complex structures. The use of composites in aircraft manufacturing is growing dramatically. The assessment of structural integrity of composite materials after automated manufacturing becomes vitally important for the safety of the aircraft and its crew members. Conventional NDE methods, e.g., ultrasonic C-scan and tap test, use point-by-point scan scheme, which is labor intensive and time consuming. New NDE sensor systems that can quickly scan defects in large, complex composite structures are highly desirable.To address this critical need, X-wave Innovations, Inc. (XII), teaming up with Prof. Fuh-Gwo Yuan at North Carolina State University (NCSU) proposes to develop an innovative Automated Ultrasonic Imaging Technique system, which is called AUIT system, for rapid inspection of large-area complex composites. In Phase I we will prototype an AUIT system and demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed technique. In Phase II, we will focus on refining the prototype system design and development with improved hardware and software. In Phase III, we will focus on transitioning the AUIT technology.