Innovative Quality Control Assessment Methods for Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) Components

The proposed novel Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) techniques will provide advanced characterization of Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) components to enhance manufacturing quality control, support component condition assessment, and permit prediction of component performance. JENTEK has developed a family of electroquasistatic and magnetoquasistatic sensors and arrays that have successfully solved a wide range of previously intractable NDE problems. These sensors and arrays use model-based inversion algorithms to convert NDE signals into meaningful material or geometric properties that are often correlated with conditions of interest. In this proposed program, JENTEK’s electroquasistatic sensors, such as the Interdigitated Electrode Dielectrometer, are being adapted for characterization of CMC components. Specific manufacturing quality assessment applications of these sensors to CMCs will be investigated with an eventual selection of one or two specific applications for implementation. The potential application of these sensors for monitoring material degradation will also be explored. By the end of this program, a fieldable, prototype system will be developed for integration within the CMC manufacturing process framework.