Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating layers, including interlayer gaps, in a multi-layer structure; the multi-layer structure presenting a plurality of edges generally aligned athwart an axis; the apparatus includes: (a) a sensing unit configured for sensing at least one parameter; (b) a positioning unit coupled with the sensing unit; the positioning unit being configured to effect moving the sensing unit generally along the axis; and (c) a control unit coupled with at least one of the positioning unit and the sensing unit. The control unit provides an electrical signal to the sensing unit. The control unit monitors changes in the at least one parameter as the sensing unit moves past the plurality of edges. The control unit employs the changes in the at least one parameter to effect the evaluating.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for measuring a thickness of an object. A first portion of a device is positioned on a first side of the object, and a second portion of the device is positioned on an opposite side of the object. The first portion includes at least one first mount and at least one eddy current sensor coupled to the first mount. The second portion includes at least one second mount and at least one target coupled to the second mount. The first mount is magnetically coupled to the second mount such that the eddy current sensor is oriented to interact with the target to enable the thickness of the object to be measured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting a metallic structure. A first signal is sent into a first location in the metallic structure and a second signal into a second location in the metallic structure at substantially a same time. A first response to the first signal is received. A second response to the second signal is received. The first response is compared with the second response to form a comparison. A determination is made as to whether an inconsistency is present using the comparison.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating layers, including interlayer gaps, in a multi-layer structure; the multi-layer structure presenting a plurality of edges generally aligned athwart an axis; the apparatus includes: (a) a sensing unit configured for sensing at least one parameter; (b) a positioning unit coupled with the sensing unit; the positioning unit being configured to effect moving the sensing unit generally along the axis; and (c) a control unit coupled with at least one of the positioning unit and the sensing unit. The control unit provides an electrical signal to the sensing unit. The control unit monitors changes in the at least one parameter as the sensing unit moves past the plurality of edges. The control unit employs the changes in the at least one parameter to effect the evaluating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and inspecting composite structures to discover inconsistencies by the force and displacement caused by extension of a stylus driven against the composite structure a fixed distance. The measurement of the force on the stylus and the deflection is made from the exterior surface of the composite structure, which eliminates the need to remove interior panels for inspection.

Abstract: First and second thermal sensors measure the respective temperatures of portions of a surface of a structure such as an aircraft component. An alert signal is emitted if the temperatures of the surface portions are substantially different. An energy source causes heat flow within the structure. Subsurface irregularities such as disbanded areas between composite layers and foreign materials obstruct heat flow within the structure and cause proximate surface portions to exhibit different temperatures. A non-alert signal may be emitted if the temperatures of proximate surface portions are essentially the same.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and inspecting composite structures to discover inconsistencies by the force and displacement caused by extension of a stylus driven against the composite structure a fixed distance. The measurement of the force on the stylus and the deflection is made from the exterior surface of the composite structure, which eliminates the need to remove interior panels for inspection.

Abstract: First and second thermal sensors measure the respective temperatures of portions of a surface of a structure such as an aircraft component. An alert signal is emitted if the temperatures of the surface portions are substantially different. An energy source causes heat flow within the structure. Subsurface flaws such as disbonded areas between composite layers and foreign materials obstruct heat flow within the structure and cause proximate surface portions to exhibit different temperatures. A non-alert signal may be emitted if the temperatures of proximate surface portions are essentially the same.

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: Techniques for ultrasonically evaluating damage to a laminate structure include use of a diagnostic device having at least two modes of operation including a calibration mode and a test mode with the calibration mode providing calibration parameters specific to the laminate structure under test.

Abstract: A portable thermal imaging apparatus uses an ultrasonic acoustical source and an infrared camera to examine a flat or curved specimen such as the surface of the fuselage of an aircraft for defects such as subsurface disbonds, delaminations, cracks, corrosion, embedded contaminants, inclusions, and voids. The apparatus includes a base framework removably attachable to the specimen by a set of vacuum cups and a pair of guide rails along which the imaging apparatus can travel to allow multiple images to be captured without relocating the apparatus on the specimen. The acoustical signal from the ultrasonic source sweeps over a range of frequencies in order to excite defects of greatly differing size to exhibit local heating.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting defects in a test specimen. The method generally includes applying a liquid detection medium to the test specimen and exciting the test specimen to cause the liquid detection medium to produce a defect signature for a defect in the test specimen. The liquid detection medium is monitored for defect signatures produced by the liquid detection medium.

Abstract: A portable thermal imaging analysis for analyzing a specimen includes a frame removably attachable to the specimen by a vacuum and suction cups. The apparatus also includes a sound source and thermal imaging camera that generates thermal images of the specimen along with a controller connected to the sound source and the imaging camera.

Abstract: A portable thermal imaging apparatus uses an ultrasonic acoustical source and an infrared camera to examine a flat or curved specimen such as the surface of the fuselage of an aircraft for defects such as subsurface disbonds, delaminations, cracks, corrosion, embedded contaminants, inclusions, and voids. The apparatus includes a base framework removably attachable to the specimen by a set of vacuum cups and a pair of guide rails along which the imaging apparatus can travel to allow multiple images to be captured without relocating the apparatus on the specimen. The acoustical signal from the ultrasonic source sweeps over a range of frequencies in order to excite defects of greatly differing size to exhibit local heating.

Abstract: A system and method for verifying conductive paths in test parts and for testing the conductive paths for flaws subjects the test part to a current flow from one location to another via conduction. Sites containing dislocations cause a concentration of current around them which results in increased ohmic heating which can be detected with an infrared camera.

Abstract: A portable thermal imaging analysis for analyzing a specimen includes a frame removably attachable to the specimen by a vacuum and suction cups. The apparatus also includes a sound source and thermal imaging camera that generates thermal images of the specimen along with a controller connected to the sound source and the imaging camera.

Abstract: A distributed energy store electromagnetic railgun comprising a plurality of sections, each section having a connector portion and a barrel portion that includes a rail surface. The sections are arranged to form first and second rails. The sections forming each rail are positioned such that their rail surfaces form a substantially continuous barrel surface. The rails are positioned such that their barrel surfaces define a barrel having a longitudinal axis, a breech end, and a muzzle end. For each section, the connector portion is positioned closer than the rail surface to the breech end by greater than the length of an armature, in a direction along the longitudinal axis. Electrical current is provided to each section through its connector portion. Current does not flow through a section until the armature, or a plasma behind an insulating projectile, reaches the rail surface of the section.