Improved magneto-optic methods for aircraft corrosion detection

Aircraft undergo constant routine inspection in order to maintain airworthiness. Subsurface corrosion and metal fatigue in airframes which goes undetected can have tragic consequences. The QUEST proprietary magneto-optic imager (MOI) is a non-destructive technique which is currently used by the Air Force, NASA and commercial clients for subsurface flaw detection with better performance than traditional eddy current methods. We will extend the operational methods to increase the field of view, measure the depth of detected flaws, and incorporate advanced real-time background subtraction methods. These enhancements will significantly extend the ability of the MOI to inspect for subsurface corrosion and cracking in deep subsurface layers down to layer 4 or 5 of airframes. QUEST has extensive experience in developing and deploying non-destructive testing devices for industry.