Non-Destructive Inspection for Medium Caliber Gun Barrel Fatigue Crack

ABSTRACT: Prime Photonics is developing an ultrasonically enhanced magnetic field detection system that will measure defects, voids and residual stresses in ferrous and non-ferrous materials. Successful development and deployment of this technology will enable on condition replacement of critical components, increasing safety and reducing cost. This product can also be part of an integrated logistics support plan. This will be developed with General Dynamics, the OEM to insure all the relevant requirements are met and executed in the development plan. BENEFIT: High resolution of surface and internal flaws: The Prime Photonics system will be capable of characterizing flaw sizes within 0.002"in both length and depth. State of the art arrayed eddy current systems are capable of detecting these resolutions, but only for surface flaws. Eliminates human error: Since the process is automated, scans are consistent from one run to another. Ultrasonic methods rely heavily on data interpretation, as do hand held eddy current probes. Deployable for In-Situ inspections: The arrayed magnetometer is very small, and does not require a sterile lab environment to operate in. Arrayed eddy current systems require they be set up in lab environments, as do ultrasonic, magnetic particle detection, and dye penetrant inspections. Reduced inspection time/Can be deployed on existing support equipment: The Prime Photonics system can be packaged to operate on existing laser bore mapping support equipment.