Fieldable NDI System for the Detection of Material Degradation in Handling Equipment

In Phase I of the SBIR program, LEEOAT Company will develop, conceptually design and simulate a fieldable NonDestructive Inspection (NDI) system for on-line detection of material degradation in handling equipment. The NDI system will provide cost-effective health management of the safety of the equipment and their components. The proposed system is based on LEEOAT Company unique micromachining processes, as well as on special high resolution and sensitive imaging technologies recently developed by the company for the detection of hidden microscopic faults. The effort will also include theoretical modeling and simulations of the NDI system, as well as laboratory demonstration of the effectiveness of the techniques to detect material degradation in metal components. Finally, LEEOAT Company will estimate the cost/effort for the fabrication and testing of the NDI system prototype, to be performed in Phase II of the SBIR program.