Non-Destructive Test (NDT) methods for High Velocity Oxygenated Fuel (HVOF) coated Landing Gear (LG) components

Vibrant proposes to use Process Compensated Resonance Testing (PCRT) technology to detect defects in chrome and high-velocity oxygenated fuel (HVOF) coatings and high-strength steel (HSS) substrates of landing gear (LG) components. Currently, fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) and ferromagnetic particle inspection (FMPI) are used to inspect HVOF-coated parts. While good at finding surface cracks, they are unable to see defects on the substrate below. Vibrant will apply PCRT to this problem. PCRT is currently used for metal and ceramic components in the aerospace and automotive industries. PCRT uses Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy (RUS) coupled with pattern sorting algorithms to determine the unique resonance patterns of components and to sort them into “Go” and “No-Go” groups. PCRT can detect surface and internal defects for nearly any part geometry and its results correlate directly to the structural integrity of parts, Vibrant’s efforts will focus on the detection of inclusions, coating disbonds, coating and substrate cracks, and corrosion in HVOF and Cr coated LG components. BENEFIT: The PCRT capabilities developed and demonstrated in this proposal will reduce the risk of structural failure of landing gear components by providing a more reliable means of inspection. Vibrant has close working relationships with major aerospace firms such as Boeing, Honeywell, Rolls-Royce Corporation, and Delta TechOps. Data from the successful completion of Phase I, even if a Phase II was not awarded, will be leveraged to initiate pilot projects for NDT testing and component repair with these current partners. If a Phase II effort is awarded and successfully completed, Vibrant would market NDT testing for component repair directly to DoD and commercial manufacturers and maintainers in Phase III.