NDE and Real-time Process Monitoring for Residual Stress Inducing Treatments

This proposal addresses the need for reliable quality assessment and real-time process monitoring for residual stress-inducing surface treatments. The Phase I effort will develop and demonstrate the use of JENTEK’s MWM-Array eddy current technology for high resolution imaging and nondestructive assessment of engine components after Laser Shock Processing (LSP) and Low Plasticity Burnishing (LPB), as well as after conventional shot peening. Also, for LSP and LPB, real-time process monitoring of subsurface stresses and other properties, using MWM-Arrays, will be investigated. MWM-Arrays and MWM sensors have proven capability to inspect complex components for damage and process quality. For example, the MWM is used at Air Force and Navy depots for cold work quality assessment of C-130/P-3 propellers. The MWM-Array has inspected over 3,000 engine disk slot inspections at a Naval Air Station and proved to be far superior to conventional eddy current testing and liquid penetrant. This Phase I will adapt this proven technology to deliver near-term benefits for post-process assessment, and will investigate real-time process monitoring for turbine engine components. Phase II will demonstrate a fully integrated solution suitable for production environments. The Phase I team includes LSP Technologies and Lambda Technologies, as well as a major engine OEM.