Multipurpose Non-Destructive Inspection Test Kit

A wave of new inspection requirements is anticipated in the near future, accompanied by an increase in the number of candidate inspection techniques. Qualification of these will require an increasing number of QAPA studies. The lack of QAPA studies forces an overly conservative inspection strategy, adding additional maintenance costs and decreasing fleet readiness. However, the empirical nature of those studies, as currently defined in MIL-HDBK-1823, makes them very costly in terms of both time and dollars. A similar need arises as the USAF fleets age: new areas must be inspected, and cracks are found where they have not been found before. NDI is called upon to provide a quick response in terms of deploying inspection techniques to maintain operational capability, and NDI engineering must provide estimates of capability quickly. Typically it costs hundreds of thousands of dollars to make a significant sample set and may take many months to specify and procure. Texas Research Institute, Austin Inc. (TRI/Austin) in collaboration with Dr. Floyd Spencer of sfHire and APES, Inc. propose to design Multi-Purpose NDI Test Kits to enable fast and cheap QAPA"s for new inspection requirements and for quick response for inspection issues in the depot and field. BENEFIT: The TRI Team approach of modular, scaleable coupons to specimens for the implementation of universal testing kits with accompanying POD analysis software will provide the USAF with rapid response capability for QAPA studies at much reduced cost over existing alternatives.