Ultra-Portable, Low-cost, Nondestrutive Evaluation Technologies for Rapid Damage Assessment in Epoxy-based Composite Materials

In-theater operations of US Navy/Marine Corps aircraft can result in operational damage that requires rapid detection and repair so as not to interrupt mission operations. Multiple Nondestructive Inspection (NDI) technologies are available for in-depth analysis of suspected damage zones at higher-level maintenance activities. Unfortunately, the only inspection methods available for rapid on-site damage detection at the squadron level are visual and tap testing. Texas Research Institute Austin (TRI/Austin), in collaboration with Dr. Mel Siegel from Carnegie Mellon University and Physical Acoustics, proposes to develop a portable inspection system for detecting damage in composites. The TRI team will construct a breadboard instrument that will perform a controlled impact tap test and utilize both accelerometer and microphone data to assess damage in composite materials. In the Phase I work, the design for the composite inspection system will be completed and the instrument will be built and tested to ensure system functionality.