In-Situ Crack Characterization

The Navy needs an improved inspection system to detect, monitor, and characterize cracks and corrosion on titanium, steel, and aluminum components used in military systems. It is desired to have a portable device that can operate in-service preventing the component from being removed or excised from the vehicle or aircraft. To this end, Reactive Innovations, LLC proposes a Phase I program to develop and demonstrate an inspection method that can non-destructively detect and characterize cracks in military systems. During the Phase I program, the sensor methodology will be developed and evaluated with representative samples with variable levels of cracks induced by cyclic loading or via static loads. The program will develop analysis algorithms leading toward a compact inspection system to be developed in a Phase II program. Field examinations of the sensor will be conducted to aid in military in-service maintenance operations.