Nondestructive Inclusion Detector

To address the Navy need for non-destructive technology for inclusion content detection in high-grade steel components, Intellisense Systems, Inc. proposes to develop a new Nondestructive Inclusion Detector (INTER) system, based on the use of laser ultrasonic methods augmented by an artificial neural network (ANN). Specifically, the innovation in using the picosecond laser ultrasonic methods for ultrasound generation enables high frequency acoustic signal generation that is needed to detect micron-size inclusions. Also, using an ANN for acoustic pattern recognition allows fast and accurate identification and measurement of inclusion content such as size distribution, location, and material. As a result, the INTER system offers accurate, non-destructive inspection of size distribution and position of inclusion content inside steel, including in complex geometries like gear teeth. In Phase I, Intellisense will demonstrate the feasibility of the INTER by designing and developing a breadboard prototype and determining the inclusion content such as size distribution, location, and material of inclusion. In Phase II, Intellisense plans to develop and demonstrate a non-destructive inspection capability for inclusions with blind steel samples that are in-process and post-produced with inclusion sizes down to 0.001 in. The Phase II prototype will meet the requirement for rapid, near instantaneous analysis of steel in manufacturing sites, production sites, and repair facilities.