Multipurpose Non-Destructive Inspection Test Kit

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this SBIR is to aid in the design of a multi-purpose non-destructive in-spection test kit with the end goal of decreasing the cost to perform POD studies. During this Phase II project, American Testing Services and its subcontractor, Mound Laser and Photonics Center, Inc. will collaborate to develop and produce a comprehensive set of specimens for a low cost, adaptable, and reproducible POD test kit. MLPC will produce the defects utilizing laser micromachining. ATS and MLPC will post process the defects to mask them from visual detection. ATS will use NDT techniques to verify the suitability of each specimen for POD testing and training. At the end of the project, ATS will be in a position to supply an arbitrary number of matching POD test kits to the Air Force on a demand basis. BENEFIT: Commercial benefits include test kits with manufactured defects that are more representative of defects found on in-service aircraft which will provide the opportunity to maximize POD. Additionally, test kits will be designed to overlap NDT methods such that one test kit can be used for multiple inspection disciplines. This will reduce the cost and lead time associated with POD studies.