Composite Calibration Standards Kit for Calibration of Multiple Equipment in the AF Inventory Used for Composite Nondestructive Inspection (NDI)

In what follows, we propose a rather unique way to both design and construct new and certifiable composite material NDI standard calibration blocks that can be used by Air Force NDI technicians to both calibrate their existing NDI equipment and also qualify new and innovative NDI equipment for use with aerospace composite structures now and in the future. Our approach is based on a primarily analytical method for design of the standard calibration specimens that can eventually become an ASTM method for the development of calibration standards for NDI equipment being used for both thin and thick section composite materials. The analytical models are based on work done by the Principal of the company and others that built analytical models and design tools for thick section layered composites to assess the effects of defects on the structural performance of these built-up structures. The models include delaminations, disbonds at bonded joints, voids, inclusions, and other structurally significant defects. At the end of Phase II we intend to have developed not only the calibration standards themselves, but also a method that can become an ASTM standard for anyone to design and build composite NDI calibration standards.