Abstract: A method of detecting local material changes in a composite structure is presented. A pulsed laser beam is directed towards the composite structure comprised of a number of composite materials. Wide-band ultrasonic signals are formed in the composite structure when radiation of the pulsed laser beam is absorbed by the composite structure. The wide-band ultrasonic signals are detected to form data. The data is processed to identify a local frequency value for the composite structure. The local frequency value is used to determine if local material changes are present in the number of composite materials.

Abstract: A method of detecting material changes in a composite structure is presented. A pulsed laser beam is directed towards the composite structure comprised of a number of composite materials. Wide-band ultrasonic signals are formed in the composite structure when radiation of the pulsed laser beam is absorbed by the composite structure. The wide-band ultrasonic signals are detected to form data. The data comprises a number of ultrasonic A-scans. The data is processed to identify a plurality of frequency measurements for each of the number of ultrasonic A-scans. A frequency image is displayed using the plurality of frequency measurements. The material changes are represented in the frequency image.

Abstract: A method and assembly are provided in order to inspect a partially cured repair patch prior to installation. For example, an assembly for inspecting a repair patch is provided that includes a partially cured repair patch comprised of a composite material. The assembly also includes an acoustic facilitation layer disposed proximate of the surface of the repair patch through which ultrasonic signals will be introduced. The assembly further includes a vacuum bag surrounding the repair patch and the acoustic facilitation layer. The acoustic facilitation layer has an acoustic impedance that is closer to the respective acoustic impedances of the repair patch and the vacuum bag than the acoustic impedance of air is to the respective acoustic impedances of the repair patch and the vacuum bag.

Abstract: A method of detecting inconsistencies in a structure is presented. A pulsed laser beam is directed towards the structure. A plurality of types of ultrasonic signals is formed in the structure when radiation of the pulsed laser beam is absorbed by the structure. The plurality of types of ultrasonic signals is detected to form data.

Abstract: A method of detecting inconsistencies in a structure is presented. A pulsed laser beam is directed towards the structure. A plurality of types of ultrasonic signals is formed in the structure when radiation of the pulsed laser beam is absorbed by the structure. The plurality of types of ultrasonic signals is detected to form data.

Abstract: A method of detecting local material changes in a composite structure is presented. A pulsed laser beam is directed towards the composite structure comprised of a number of composite materials. Wide-band ultrasonic signals are formed in the composite structure when radiation of the pulsed laser beam is absorbed by the composite structure. The wide-band ultrasonic signals are detected to form data. The data is processed to identify a local frequency value for the composite structure. The local frequency value is used to determine if local material changes are present in the number of composite materials.

Abstract: A method of detecting material changes in a composite structure is presented. A pulsed laser beam is directed towards the composite structure comprised of a number of composite materials. Wide-band ultrasonic signals are formed in the composite structure when radiation of the pulsed laser beam is absorbed by the composite structure. The wide-band ultrasonic signals are detected to form data. The data comprises a number of ultrasonic A-scans. The data is processed to identify a plurality of frequency measurements for each of the number of ultrasonic A-scans. A frequency image is displayed using the plurality of frequency measurements. The material changes are represented in the frequency image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a composite structure. A pulsed laser beam having a number of properties is generated. Each of the number of properties is within a selected range. The pulsed laser beam generated by the generation laser system is directed towards a composite structure comprised of a number of composite materials. A number of ultrasonic waves are formed in the composite structure when the pulsed laser beam contacts the composite structure without causing any undesired inconsistencies in the composite structure outside of selected tolerances.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting a structure. Images of heat generated by an inconsistency in the structure are received. A final image is generated from the images using portions of the images having a greatest amount of heat.

Abstract: A method and assembly are provided in order to inspect a partially cured repair patch prior to installation. For example, an assembly for inspecting a repair patch is provided that includes a partially cured repair patch comprised of a composite material. The assembly also includes an acoustic facilitation layer disposed proximate of the surface of the repair patch through which ultrasonic signals will be introduced. The assembly further includes a vacuum bag surrounding the repair patch and the acoustic facilitation layer. The acoustic facilitation layer has an acoustic impedance that is closer to the respective acoustic impedances of the repair patch and the vacuum bag than the acoustic impedance of air is to the respective acoustic impedances of the repair patch and the vacuum bag.

Abstract: The different advantageous embodiments provide a method and apparatus for inspecting a structure. In one advantageous embodiment, an electromagnetic force is generated on a portion of a bond line for a plurality of parts in the structure. The structure contains a conductive material. A determination is made as to whether an inconsistency is present in the portion of the bond line after generating the electromagnetic force on the portion of the bond line.

Abstract: The different advantageous embodiments provide a method and apparatus for inspecting a structure. In one advantageous embodiment, an electromagnetic force is generated on a portion of a bond line for a plurality of parts in the structure. The structure contains a conductive material. A determination is made as to whether an inconsistency is present in the portion of the bond line after generating the electromagnetic force on the portion of the bond line.