Method and apparatus for defect detection in composite structures

摘要

Methods and apparatus for non-destructive testing of a composite structure utilizing sonic or ultrasonic waves. In response to a wideband chirp wave sonic excitation signal transmitted from a probe to the composite structure, a probe signal received is correlated with a library of predetermined probe signals and a graphical representation of defects detected is generated. The graphical representation provides detailed information on defect type, defect location and defect shape. Also contemplated is a probe for non-destructive testing of a composite structure comprising three or more transducers wherein each transducer is separately configurable as a transmitter or as a receiver; and a controller coupled to each of transducer for providing signals thereto and receiving signals therefrom, wherein the signals provided thereto include signals for configuring each transducer as either a transmitter or a receiver, and signals for providing an excitation signal from each transducer which is configured as a transmitter.

主权项

1. A method for non-destructive testing of a composite structure comprising:
providing a wideband chirp wave sonic signal to the composite structure for a predetermined time having a predetermined amplitude and a predetermined range of frequencies as an excitation signal; correlating a probed signal received from the composite structure with a library of predetermined probed signals, the library of predetermined probe signals comprising probe signals received from a reference composite structure generated in response to the wideband chirp wave sonic signal provided to the reference composite structure for the predetermined time having the predetermined amplitude and the predetermined frequency, wherein the reference composite structure includes one or more predefined defects; and outputting a graphical representation of defects detected, wherein the graphical representation of the defects detected conveys defect type information.