Abstract: A system and method for locating an object within a structure includes a magnetically-responsive member coupled to the object. A magnetic field generator generates a magnetic field in the presence of the structure. The generated magnetic field causes the magnetically-responsive member to output a signal when the magnetically-responsive member is in the presence of the magnetic field. A detector may include a sensor coupled to a control unit. The sensor detects the signal output by the magnetically-responsive member. The control unit locates the object based on detection of a third harmonic of the signal.

Abstract: A system and method for locating an object within a structure includes a magnetically-responsive member coupled to the object. A magnetic field generator generates a magnetic field in the presence of the structure. The generated magnetic field causes the magnetically-responsive member to output a signal when the magnetically-responsive member is in the presence of the magnetic field. A detector may include a sensor coupled to a control unit. The sensor detects the signal output by the magnetically-responsive member. The control unit locates the object based on detection of a third harmonic of the signal.

Abstract: A structure is provided that is at least partially adhered by a light-curable adhesive. The structure includes first and second structural components disposed in a facing relationship. The structure also includes a light-curable adhesive impregnated within at least one of the first and second structural components or disposed between the first and second structural components. The structure of this example embodiment further includes one or more side-emitting light guiding members, such as side-emitting optical fibers, positioned between the first and second structural components and in communication with the light-curable adhesive. The one or more side-emitting light guiding members are configured to emit light along a length of the one or more side-emitting light guiding members. Corresponding methods to assemble the structure and to cure the light-curable adhesive within the structure are also provided.

Abstract: A method for fabricating composite porosity standards may include the steps of providing a plurality of uncured composite coupons, each uncured composite coupon being formed from a composite material, providing a plurality of curing processes, selecting a curing process for each of the uncured composite coupons, curing each uncured composite coupon in accordance with a selected curing process to form a plurality of cured composite coupons, each cured composite coupon being formed from the composite material and having a percent porosity, measuring the percent porosity of each cured composite coupon, and correlating each measured percent porosity of a plurality of measure percent porosities to a corresponding cured composite coupon of the plurality of cured composite coupons to form a plurality of porosity standards.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing nondestructive inspection porosity standards. In one illustrative embodiment, a plurality of samples is formed using a different technique for each sample in the plurality of samples such that each sample in the plurality of samples has a different porosity from other samples in the plurality of samples. Each sample in the plurality of samples has a same set of selected properties as a selected part type. A porosity level is identified for each sample using volumetric data extracted from a three-dimensional image for each sample generated using a computed tomography system. A group of standards is established for a group of selected porosity levels from the plurality of samples based on the porosity level identified for each sample in the plurality of samples. The group of standards is configured for use in performing nondestructive inspection of a part of the selected part type.

Abstract: A method for fabricating composite porosity standards may include the steps of providing a plurality of uncured composite coupons, each uncured composite coupon being formed from a composite material, providing a plurality of curing processes, selecting a curing process for each of the uncured composite coupons, curing each uncured composite coupon in accordance with a selected curing process to form a plurality of cured composite coupons, each cured composite coupon being formed from the composite material and having a percent porosity, measuring the percent porosity of each cured composite coupon, and correlating each measured percent porosity of a plurality of measure percent porosities to a corresponding cured composite coupon of the plurality of cured composite coupons to form a plurality of porosity standards.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing nondestructive inspection porosity standards. In one illustrative embodiment, a plurality of samples is formed using a different technique for each sample in the plurality of samples such that each sample in the plurality of samples has a different porosity from other samples in the plurality of samples. Each sample in the plurality of samples has a same set of selected properties as a selected part type. A porosity level is identified for each sample using volumetric data extracted from a three-dimensional image for each sample generated using a computed tomography system. A group of standards is established for a group of selected porosity levels from the plurality of samples based on the porosity level identified for each sample in the plurality of samples. The group of standards is configured for use in performing nondestructive inspection of a part of the selected part type.