Wet Film Thickness Sensor/Device for Navy Platforms

Nondestructive measurement of coating thickness is typically done using acoustic or eddy current techniques, but both methods lack the accuracy needed for control of modern paint applications systems. JSF aircraft coatings are applied robotically and controlling thickness is critical to the JSF mission. A similar problem arises in erosion coating of V-22 rotor blades – the coating application must be uniform to ensure protective functionality. Microwave nondestructive evaluation (MNDE) technology was shown capable of answering these issues in Phase I, and is readily adaptable to robotic and controlled application of specialty coatings. In Phase II SMRC will develop prototype measurement systems for both – the JSF prototype will be designed for integration into a robotic painting system, and the V-22 prototype will include a contour following capability for the rotor leading edge. Each prototype will include near real time numerical and graphical outputs, and laser displacement sensors (LDS) to monitor standoff distances. MNDE and LDS outputs will be integrated and synchronized for ease of use on the manufacturing floor. Commercialization of this technology will start through close coordination with the JSF and V-22 primes and expand to include other DoD and civilian applications requiring precise, uniform application and measurement of coating thickness.