Phased array ultrasonic aircraft fatigue damage inspection

The practice of removing aircraft from service and disassembling parts of its structure for periodic inspection negatively impacts readiness and leads to high sustainment costs. Using Acoustic Ideas''''''''s uniquely powerful and versatile phased array technology we will develop a novel inspection method that does not require disassembly. Multiple layers, large thicknesses, dissimilar metals, sealant, geometrical complexities, and usability requirements have stumped all previous attempts. Our proposal describes in more detail why the unique features of our phased array technology can meet all the challenges of this difficult inspection problem. BENEFIT: The need for inspection around fasteners in multiple layer structures affects thousands of U.S. Air Force aircraft. Enormous cost and logistical savings will result across a large number of aircraft programs in the Air Force. The worldwide commercial aicraft fleet also offers exciting opportunities for commercialization.