Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for non-destructive detection of corrosion using quantum dots. In one embodiment, a surface of an area on a commodity associated with a set of quantum dots is tested. A pattern of wavelengths emitted by the set of quantum dots associated with the surface of the commodity is detected to form a quantum dot pattern. The quantum dot pattern is analyzed to determine whether corrosion has occurred in the area on the surface of the commodity.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying foreign objection (FOD) in items such as aircraft are disclosed. The item may be imaged using x-ray backscatter before and after work is performed thereon. The image taken before work may be subtracted from the image taken after the work to provide a resultant image. The resultant image may indicate the presence of any FOD. Potential FOD in the resultant image may be checked against a database of known FOD to determine the identity thereof. By finding FOD, the occurrence of catastrophes such as aircraft crashes may be mitigated.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying foreign objection (FOD) in items such as aircraft are disclosed. The item may be imaged using x-ray backscatter before and after work is performed thereon. The image taken before work may be subtracted from the image taken after the work to provide a resultant image. The resultant image may indicate the presence of any FOD. Potential FOD in the resultant image may be checked against a database of known FOD to determine the identity thereof. By finding FOD, the occurrence of catastrophes such as aircraft crashes may be mitigated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for inspecting electrical conductivity in composite materials having conductive structures are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for inspecting a conductive structure in a composite bonding region comprises positioning an apparatus operable to induce a current on the conductive structure. The apparatus is positioned on the conductive structure at a first selected position proximate to the bonding region. The method also comprises energizing the apparatus to provide a desired induced current in the conductive structure. The method further comprises detecting an impedance property value of the apparatus. Accordingly, the method additionally comprises positioning the apparatus at a second selected position if the impedance value is within a predetermined range of values. Alternatively, if the impedance value is not within the predetermined range, the method additionally comprises documenting the first selected position.

Abstract: A method and system of determining the physical dimensions and configuration of a structure and/or system as a precursor to the design of modifications of the structure and/or system by analyzing hidden objects within the structure and/or system is provided. The method includes accessing the structure and/or system prior to the modification for preparation of the modification; scanning the structure and/or system with an x-ray backscatter unit; collecting data from the x-ray backscatter unit and combining and reconstructing the data into a 2-D, 2-D panoramic and/or 3-D data set; producing surfaces and structures of the hidden objects from the data set; and tying the surfaces and structures of the hidden objects into a pre-existing coordinate system of the structure and/or system creating a 3-D model.

Abstract: A hat stringer inspection device permits continuous inspection of hat stringers as one or more probes are moved along the length of the hat stringer. Probes may be magnetically coupled to opposing surfaces of the structure, including, for example, where one of the probes is positioned inside the hat stringer and the probes are magnetically coupled across the surface of the hat stringer. The device may be autonomous with a feedback-controlled motor to drive the inspection device along the hat stringer. Magnetic coupling is also used to re-orient the position and/or alignment of the probes with respect to changes in the hat stringer or shapes, sizes, and configurations of hat stingers.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting a structure are provided. The system includes a data system that is capable of providing information indicative of at least a portion of the structure. The system also includes a flexible display that is positioned proximate to the structure and in communication with the data system. The flexible display is capable of displaying an image indicative of at least a portion of the structure based on the information provided by the data system.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying defects in a repair patch applied to a structure are provided. The system includes a sheet of material configured to be attached to the structure, and a mechanism operable to generate stress waves within and along the sheet of material. The system also includes a plurality of non-destructive sensors carried by the sheet of material. Each sensor is capable of detecting the stress waves. The system further includes a data acquisition system capable of communicating with the sensors such that the data acquisition system is also capable of generating information indicative of at least a portion of the sheet of material based on the data detected by the sensors.

Abstract: Systems and methods for inspecting electrical conductivity in composite materials having conductive structures are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system of inspecting electrical conductivity in an electrical bonding region includes a coil coupled to an alternating current source that is configured to induce a current in a conductive structure within the region. A processor is coupled to the coil that is operable to detect an impedance property value from the coil that results from the current induced in the conductive structure.

Abstract: A system and method for assessing and monitoring a structure are provided. The system includes at least one radio frequency identification tag, and at least one non-destructive inspection sensor for acquiring data indicative of the structure and providing the acquired data to the radio frequency identification tag. The system could also include a data acquisition system capable of wirelessly communicating with the radio frequency identification tag and providing information indicative of a defect in the structure based on the data acquired by the non-destructive inspection sensor.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods using terahertz imaging techniques for performing non-destructive inspection of a structure for detection of surface recesses. A method may involve applying a terahertz-frequency absorbing liquid to a surface of the structure, whereby the liquid will naturally tend to flow into surface recesses present in the surface of the structure, removing excess liquid from the surface of the structure which has not penetrated into existing recesses in the surface of the structure, and, after excess liquid has been removed from the surface of the structure, transmitting electromagnetic radiation in the terahertz frequency range toward the surface of the structure and detecting reflections of radiation which is not absorbed at the surface of the structure. A system may use a liquid applicator, excess liquid remover, a terahertz transmitter, and a terahertz receiver to perform a terahertz imaging non-destructive inspection operation.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting a composite structure, such as to assess thermal degradation or resin curing, are provided in which the dielectric constant of the composite structure is determined using a microwave inverse scattering technique. The dielectric constant of the composite structure may be compared to the dielectric constant of one or more sample structures to determine the presence of thermal degradation or improper curing in the structure. In this regard, a system for inspecting a composite structure comprises a transmitter, a receiver, and a controller. The transmitter may be capable transmitting microwave energy directed toward the structure. The receiver may be capable of receiving microwave energy scattered from the structure. The controller may be capable of determining a dielectric constant of the structure using an inverse scattering algorithm and comparing the dielectric constant of the structure to a dielectric constant of at least one sample structure.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for lightning strike protection and verification are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one fastener extending through both the structure and substructure to secure the structure and substructure together. The apparatus also includes an insert disposed between the substructure and at least a portion of the fastener, where the insert includes dielectric and magnetizable material such that the insert is capable of reducing the incidence of sparking between at least one component associated with the fastener and the substructure.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding an aerospace structure, having an edge and a surface, includes a base. Coupled to the base is an edge support adapted to releasably engage the edge of the structure. Also coupled to the base is a stanchion. Moveably coupled to the stanchion is a surface support adapted to support the surface of the structure when the edge of the structure is retained by the edge support.

Abstract: An assembly, system, and method for identifying defects in a structure are provided. The assembly includes a structure of a metallic or composite material, and a flexible sheet of material positioned adjacent to the structure. The assembly also includes a plurality of non-destructive sensors secured to the flexible sheet, and a mechanism operable to impact the flexible sheet or proximate to the flexible sheet to generate stress waves within and along a surface of the structure. The system further provides a data acquisition system capable of communicating with the sensors such that the data acquisition system generates feedback indicative of at least a portion of the structure based on data from the stress waves acquired by the sensors.

Abstract: Systems and methods for thermographically inspecting a composite material or honeycombed type structures are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a thermal heat source configured to be either removably coupled to or positioned proximate to the composite material to generate a localized thermal field in a selected area of the composite material. A thermal imaging device generates a visible image of the generated thermal field.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for inspecting a structure are provided which use magnetically coupled probes disposed proximate opposite surfaces of a structure to locate, move, position, and hold a pulse echo ultrasonic transducer of one of the probes for non-destructive inspection, such as measuring a remote bondline thickness of a joint of a composite sandwich structure. The pulse echo ultrasonic sensor is included in a tracking probe, and the position of the tracking probe and pulse echo ultrasonic sensor are controlled by movement and positioning of a magnetically coupled driven probe in a leader-follower configuration. The tracking probe may be initially placed in a remote location using a detachable, and possibly deformable, placement rod.

Abstract: Improved methods, systems, and apparatus for inspecting a structure using angle beam shear wave through-transmission ultrasonic signals involves positioning transducers at offset positions on opposing sides of the structure and permits inspection of the inside of the structure beneath surface defects and features. Magnetic coupling can be used for supporting a pair of leader-follower probes and defining offset positions between angle beam shear wave transducers carried by the probes. Inspection data can be collected for supporting real-time generation of three-dimensional image representations of the structure and of internal defects and features of the structure. Image generation and resolution using inspection data from angle beam shear wave ultrasonic signals can be supplemented using pulse-echo ultrasonic inspection data.

Abstract: A hat stringer inspection device permits continuous inspection of hat stringers as one or more probes are moved along the length of the hat stringer. Probes may be magnetically coupled to opposing surfaces of the structure, including, for example, where one of the probes is positioned inside the hat stringer and the probes are magnetically coupled across the surface of the hat stringer. The device may be autonomous with a feedback-controlled motor to drive the inspection device along the hat stringer. Magnetic coupling is also used to re-orient the position and/or alignment of the probes with respect to changes in the hat stringer or shapes, sizes, and configurations of hat stingers.

Abstract: A system for measuring a mixture ratio associated with a two-part fluid, at least one of the two parts including conductive particles. The system includes a pair of electrodes, a circuit, and an output. The electrodes are disposed on opposite sides of the two-part fluid and sense the dielectric strength of the fluid. The circuit communicates with the electrodes to sense the dielectric strength and outputs a signal representing the dielectric strength. Preferably, the circuit includes a capacitive bridge, an input for a set-point, and an output for an error signal. Also, the system can include a housing for the electrodes. A timer may also be provided to measure the time elapsed from the beginning of the mixing of the two-part fluid. Preferably, the two-part fluid is an adhesive with aluminum particles that is made from a resin and a hardener. Methods of producing two-part fluids are also provided.