Abstract: A method of inspecting a surface of a component, e.g. a turbine or compressor blade of a gas turbine engine. The method comprises (a) providing a probe for inspecting the component surface; (b) defining a reference surface that is offset from the component surface; (c) moving the probe so as to contact a plurality of discrete spaced apart inspection points on the component surface, each contact of the probe with an inspection point comprising a first movement of the probe from the reference surface to the inspection point; (d) retracting the probe from the component surface after each contact with an inspection point; and (e) inspecting the component surface each time the probe contacts an inspection point.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a surface of a component, e.g. a turbine or compressor blade of a gas turbine engine. The method comprises (a) providing a probe for inspecting the component surface; (b) defining a reference surface that is offset from the component surface; (c) moving the probe so as to contact a plurality of discrete spaced apart inspection points on the component surface, each contact of the probe with an inspection point comprising a first movement of the probe from the reference surface to the inspection point; (d) retracting the probe from the component surface after each contact with an inspection point; and (e) inspecting the component surface each time the probe contacts an inspection point.

Abstract: An apparatus for ultrasonically inspecting a component of a gas turbine engine at a centre frequency required for ultrasonic inspection of the component. The apparatus comprises an ultrasonic transducer and a waveguide. The ultrasonic transducer and the waveguide are mounted in a holder, the holder is movably mounted in a carrier, and the carrier is movably mounted in a frame. The waveguide has a first end, a second end and a surface. The waveguide is circular in cross-section, the surface of the waveguide between the first end and the second end is concave, and the waveguide reduces in diameter from the first end to the second end. The length of the waveguide is equal to or greater than 0.5 times and equal to or less than 3 times the wavelength of an ultrasonic signal at the centre frequency required for the ultrasonic inspection.

Abstract: An apparatus for ultrasonically inspecting a component of a gas turbine engine at a centre frequency required for ultrasonic inspection of the component. The apparatus comprises an ultrasonic transducer and a waveguide. The ultrasonic transducer and the waveguide are mounted in a holder, the holder is movably mounted in a carrier, and the carrier is movably mounted in a frame. The waveguide has a first end, a second end and a surface. The waveguide is circular in cross-section, the surface of the waveguide between the first end and the second end is concave, and the waveguide reduces in diameter from the first end to the second end. The length of the waveguide is equal to or greater than 0.5 times and equal to or less than 3 times the wavelength of an ultrasonic signal at the centre frequency required for the ultrasonic inspection.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in Ultrasonic testing, and a method of inspection or testing using the apparatus. The ultrasonic testing tool includes an elongate connector arranged between a transducer and a tip or contact head for contact with the component to be tested. The elongate connector carries soundwaves produced by the transducer between the transducer and the contact head.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in Ultrasonic testing, and a method of inspection or testing using the apparatus. The ultrasonic testing tool includes an elongate connector arranged between a transducer and a tip or contact head for contact with the component to be tested. The elongate connector carries soundwaves produced by the transducer between the transducer and the contact head.