Aircraft Hydraulic Tubing Inspection Using Conformable Eddy Current Sensor

Detection of small cracks for titanium components with complex, curved surfaces is a critical need. JENTEK has demonstrated unique capability to deliver reliable titanium engine component inspection to the Navy for disk slots and blades and is currently developing solutions for other engine components under related programs. This Phase II SBIR will adapt this capability to address titanium structural members, fittings, bolt-holes, and tubing applications for V-22 and JSF, as well as for other Navy aircraft. This will include development of methods to enhance reliability for small crack detection using libraries of crack signatures derived from both empirical training sets and physics-based model simulations. JENTEK will work with OEMs and NAVAIR to define needs and requirements for critical components and demonstrate capability to address selected components. This will include a focus on bolt hole inspection for small cracks, including cracks at corners. This will also include a continued focus on tubing inspections. To test MWM-Array scanning performance using realistic specimens, the Phase II will include generation of real crack specimens without starter notches. These specimens will be generated using JENTEK’s permanently-mounted MWM-Array sensors to stop fatigue crack growth with prescribed crack sizes.