Compression Imaging Phase Array Ultrasound interrogator (CIPHOR)

ABSTRACT: To address the Air Force need for a nondestructive evaluation technique applicable to energetic composites with low density gradients, Luminit, LLC, and Southern Illinois University Intelligent Measurement and Evaluation Laboratory propose to develop a new Compression Imaging Phase Array Ultrasound Interrogator (CIPHOR) system based on phased array higher frequency ultrasonic imaging. Combining this imaging with superresolution processing and digital image correlation, even the micro grain structure of the composite energetic materials will be detectable, and defects due to any thermal or mechanical insult will be located with ease. The proposed CIPHOR also offers the capability to deform the energetic material in situ and capture the evolution of the resulting damage in real time. In Phase I, Luminit will develop the CIPHOR system concept to address the U.S. Air Force concept of operations. A detailed investigation of defect location, characterization of the defect size, and type of the defect will be conducted. We anticipate that the Phase II effort will result in a preproduction prototype that will be tested to evaluate its performance against targeted specifications. Thus, Phase II will culminate in a CIPHOR system TRL 5-6. BENEFIT: When complete, the CIPHOR will be a new, safe way to test materials with low density gradients, to detect and locate buried defects. The baseline CIPHOR will be fabricated within a bombproof cage, with safety features to safely direct any output should the item under test ignite. Thus, the CIPHOR will be an NDE system that can be used to test solid rocket fuel under safe conditions. It will be useful for a range of NDE applications, including plastics, composites, etc., that are not conducive to x-ray testing, and will be a fast, accurate test system.