Apparatus for non-destructive inspection of stringers

摘要

A multi-sensor NDI probe having means for self-alignment of the NDI sensors in conjunction with the movement of the sensor suite along the length of a hollow elongated stiffener having a rounded cap. The apparatus comprises a large-radius curved ultrasonic transducer array with cylindrical focus, which provides complete coverage for the rounded cap, two small-radius convex curved transducer arrays for NDI of the lower outside radii, and two linear transducer arrays for NDI of the sides of the stiffener. The five transducer arrays are supported by respective compliant assemblies which facilitate proper adjustment of the location (i.e., position and orientation) of the transducer arrays during scanning. The positions of the transducer arrays are adjusted to account for geometric variations in the stiffener.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
a support structure; a first large shaft pivotably and slidably coupled to said support structure; a first flexible coupling attached to one end of said first large shaft; a first transducer holder attached to said first flexible coupling; a first transducer array supported by said first transducer holder; and a first centering mechanism attached to said first transducer holder, wherein said first centering mechanism comprises first and second adjustable quadrilateral centering guide assemblies.