Abstract:
A system for radiographic inspection includes a line source that emits a fan shaped beam of x-rays and a linear x-ray detector that detects the fan shaped beam of x-rays. The system further includes a first movable platform that positions the line source to emit the fan shaped beam of x-rays towards the linear x-ray detector. A second movable platform positions the linear x-ray detector to detect the fan shaped beam of x-rays after transmission through the structure or component being inspected. Synchronized movement of the first movable platform and the second movable platform significantly reduces the time of inspection while the fan shaped beam of x-rays minimizes health risks. The system further includes a first filter that blocks x-rays below a first energy threshold, and a second filter that blocks x-rays below a second energy threshold. The filters provide the system the ability to inspect structures and components formed of multiple types of materials, for example, foreign object debris.
Abstract:
A method including ultrasonically scanning a structure with a laser ultrasound testing system where the structure is provided with an array of nanoscopic structures, the nanoscopic structures having a predetermined directional orientation, the nanoscopic structures disposed on a scanned surface of the structure, and determining if the structure meets a predetermined threshold. Aspects of this invention apply certain high emissivity coatings to structures for the purpose of significant improvement laser ultrasound inspection of those structures. The nanotechnology-based material in the coatings rapidly draws heat away, for maximum laser energy absorption while preventing surface heat damage to the composite surface from the laser beam.
Abstract:
Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to an SMA actuator that includes a cooling device disposed within a torque tube. In one aspect, the cooling device includes a sliding sleeve, an expandable sleeve, and plurality of cooling fins coupled to the expandable sleeve. Axial movement of the sliding sleeve relative to the expandable sleeve facilitates radial expansion of the expandable sleeve and urges the cooling fins into contact with the torque tube. The cooling fins function as heat sinks when in contact with the torque tube to facilitate the removal of heat from the torque tube to increase the cooling rate of the torque tube. During heating of the torque tube, the cooling fins may be spaced apart from the torque tube to reduce the thermal mass that is heated, thus increasing the heating rate of the torque tube.
Abstract:
A vacuum system and method for inspecting a workpiece that can include use the vacuum system, where the vacuum system can include a housing defining at least a portion of a vacuum chamber, a piston within the housing that oscillates to vary a volume of the vacuum chamber, a first valve and a second valve in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber, and a hood in fluid communication with the second valve and the vacuum chamber. The vacuum system can include high-speed valves that enable vacuum system cycling and thus vacuum pressure cycling at a rapid frequency.
Abstract:
Aspects herein describe an optical delay controller which introduces a desired delay into an optical signal. To do so, the optical delay controller includes multiple reflective surfaces (e.g., mirrors) that establish a closed loop on which an input signal propagates. The optical delay controller includes an output interface that outputs a delayed version of the input optical signal where the delay corresponds to the circumference of the closed loop. For example, the optical delay loop may use a Brewster window as the output interface which permits the optical signal propagating in the closed loop to exit the loop. Moreover, the optical delay loop may include one or more actuators that move the reflective surfaces forming the closed loop relative to each other. Changing the distance between two mirrors changes the delay introduced by the optical delay loop.
Abstract:
A system and method for determining a width of a gap in a structure is provided. The system uses an underwater spark discharge to generate a compression wave in a first vessel containing a liquid. The system further includes a second vessel in which a vacuum is pulled to hold the first vessel against the structure. The compression wave is directed to propagate from the liquid into the structure and is detected after it propagates through the structure including the gap.
Abstract:
A method for real-time surface imperfection detection for additive manufacturing and 3-D printing parts is provided. The method includes directing a first light radiation using one or more illumination sources, wherein the first light radiation illuminates a target area of a part being manufactured in a uniform chromatic light such that the target area appears to have a substantially uniform monochromatic color; capturing a current image of a second light radiation that is scattered or reflected by the target area using one or more feedback cameras; and analyzing the current image of the second light radiation using at least one of the one or more feedback camera with a previously acquired image to determine whether a surface imperfection exists or does not exist.
Abstract:
A lighting device includes a light-emitting diode (LED). A first carbon nanotube (CNT) is coupled to and extends from the LED. A second CNT is coupled to and extends from the LED. The first and second CNTs are configured to generate a voltage difference across the LED when the first and second CNTs are exposed to an electromagnetic (EM) field having a frequency within a predetermined range. The LED is configured to emit light when the voltage difference is greater than or equal to a threshold voltage.
Abstract:
A system and method for evaluating a bond is provided. The system uses an adjustable submerged plasma probe to generate a compression wave in a first vessel containing a liquid. The system further includes a second vessel in which a vacuum is pulled to hold the first vessel against a bonded structure being inspected. The compression wave is directed to propagate from the liquid into the bonded structure to apply a known force to the bond being inspected. The adjustable submerged plasma probe allows the intensity of the compression wave to be increased or decreased at the bonded structure.
Abstract:
An inspection system for detecting defects in a workpiece can include an illumination source for illuminating a first section of the workpiece with a patterned light, wherein the illumination source does not illuminate a second section of the workpiece. The inspection system further includes a feedback camera for imaging the first section and producing a first output, and a background camera for imaging the second section and producing a second output. A processor compares the first output with the second output, and a controller alters the patterned light that is output by the illumination source based on the comparison. This feedback control continues until the background is suitably homogeneous or camouflaged compared to the defect, such that the visibility and/or detectability of the defect is increased.