Development of a Lightweight Micromachined Aerosol Collector

Not Available Early detection of corrosion hidden by aircraft paint and appliques is a concern for ensuring minimum cost and a long service period for naval aircraft operation. Current aircraft corrosion nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods are not sensitive enough to detect the earliest stages of the onset of corrosion. The objective of this proposal is to demonstrate the feasibility of the Travelling Magnetic Field Method (TMFM) for early detection of corrosion hidden by aircraft paint and appliques. The TMFM uses a novel combination of five techniques. They are highly sensitive IMTT-RF01 system; eddy-current resonance probe (ECRP); travelling magnetic wave (TMW) scanning system; giant magneto-resistance (GMR) element array, and artificial neural network (ANN). A TMFM probe will look like a large carpet that can be placed on top of the aircraft skin . A TMW is generated that moves along the X and Y directions. The ECRP makes the field extremely sensitive to samll variations in materials and geometry. The GMR element array picks up the signals. The IMTT-RF01 system amplifies the signals. The ANN provides signal analysis capabilities for defect classification and characterization. GMR field gradient sensors is used for lift-off compensation. Successful completion of the proposed research goals will result in a novel technique that will enable early detection of corrosion hidden by aircraft paint and appliques. The new technique is applicable to both military and civil aircraft.