Automatic detection of defects in composite structures using NDT methods

摘要

A method and an apparatus for automatically collecting and processing nondestructive test (NDT) data to determine the presence, type, location, size, and strength of defects in composite, honeycomb, and grid structures like those found in aircraft, wind blades, boats, cars, building structures. The preferred embodiment is comprised of an uncooled IR mounted on a frame, a conductive heating mat, an IR Ruler with fiducials in a recognizable pattern, a computer, a processor, and output displays. The data collection, processing, and display output can be controlled or reviewed remotely via the internet. The processing, location, and output displays can be applied to any NDT system that collects and processes a two-dimensional amplitude image (e.g., x-ray systems).

主权项

1. A method for detection of defects in a composite structure comprising the steps of:
positioning an infrared camera at a known distance from the composite structure; positioning a heater over an area of the composite structure; applying heat from the heater onto the area of the composite structure changing the temperature of the composite structure; removing the heat applied by the heater from the area of the composite structure; collecting a data set of infrared images from the area of said composite structure heated by the heater, including collecting a first set of the infrared images within a first time period after removing the heat from the area and collecting a second set of the infrared images within a second time period after removing the heat from the area, wherein the second time period is after the first time period; processing the data set with a computer, including cancelling the background noise in the infrared images of said composite structure; and identifying defects in said composite structure using the processed data set including determining a delamination in the composite structure based on one or more of the first set of infrared images, and determining a fluid egress or disbond in the composite structure based on one or more of the second set of infrared images.