A Portable Thermal Analysis Microscope Equipped with Multiple Excitation Sources

The development of a novel NDI technique is proposed based upon the success of the Phase I program. The technique uses a unique embodiment of transient thermography to detect disbonds and delamination flaws in boron/epoxy skins bonded to aluminumhoneycomb cores. Feasibility of the technique was clearly demonstrated under Phase I funding. In Phase II we will refine the parameters of the process to optimize it for inspection of vertical stabilizers of F-15 aircraft at the depot level. Under theproposed research we will explore the effect of operational parameter variation of our process on the applicability of the technique to other composite structures, notably graphite/epoxy and Kevlar/epoxy skins over aluminum or titanium sub-structures.Work under Phase II will include design and delivery of a dedicated system using our NDI concept for use by the U.S. Air Force in inspecting F-15 vertical stabilizers.