Enhanced Crystalline Alignment of TERFENOL-D

Although no one technology solves all the inspection issues peculiar to submarine propeller shafts, a combination of long range ultrasonic techniques succeed where single approaches fail. One method we will use emits a pulse of refracted shear waves thatinteract with indications in the material, causing a signal to be reflected back to the transducer. Another method generates refracted broad beam longitudinal waves that diffract off discontinuities resulting in a signal that is detected by a second,discrete receiver. Experiments using a calibrated defect specimen will demonstrate that these two methods can detect deep flaws and surface corrosion in the base material, pitting in the FRP wrap, and discontinuities in the bond. Fixtures for thetransducers allowing for inspection of the curved propeller shaft and a data reduction algorithm that removes much of ambiguous noise that stymie other techniques, will be key features of our approach. Our program will produce a conceptual design for adeployable prototype system for fabrication and test in Phase II. Foster-Miller has teamed with the world's premier submarine builder, and an internationally recognized NDE development firm to present the best in submarine technology, materials and NDEknowledge, and implementation and integration skill available anywhere. (P-01383)The combination a variety of long range ultrasonic techniques succeed indetecting corrosion and wear indications on propeller shafts where singleapproaches fail. Early detection of these flaws stand to save the Navymillions of dollars in direct propeller shaft inspection and nuclear assetutilization over the course of just a few years. The technology is directlyapplicable to other Navy ships and commercial fleets as well. Off the shelftechnology will be used extensively to ensure that additional systems willbe inexpensive to procure in the event that the technology is implementedfleet wide.