Abstract: An automated system is disclosed for rapidly inspecting a complete aircraft and detecting cracks in the airframe. For inspecting the aircraft fuselage, the system incorporates a framework disposed over the fuselage and extending along a major portion of the length of the fuselage. Beams having suction devices and acoustic sensors are movably attached to the framework and are moved into a position adjacent to the outer surface of the fuselage when the aircraft has been located within the framework. The suction devices attach the beams to the fuselage surface along fuselage panel joints or other areas to be inspected. Several acoustic sensors, located on each beam, are connected to a device for analyzing and recording or visually displaying the signals generated by the sensors upon the detection of noise generated by the formation or propagation of cracks.

Abstract: A composite analyzer probe, for use with a composite analyzer tester instrument for nondestructively testing and analyzing the physical properties and gaging the thickness of a test material. A cylindrical probe housing has a generally flat end surface designed to be placed flat against the surface of the test material. An annular magnetic induction coil is positioned against the end surface, a piezoelectric element having a hollow cylindrical casing is positioned within the annular magnetic induction coil, and an eddy current coil is positioned within the piezoelectric cylindrical casing. The single improved probe allows four different measurements to be taken at one location on the test material without any required movement or replacement of the probe.

Abstract: A single composite analyzer tester instrument capable of nondestructively analyzing and testing several different properties of graphite-resin materials, such as the thickness, sonic velocity, relative sonic amplitude and relative electrical conductivity thereof. The instrument incorporates therein a magnetic induction circuit for measuring the thickness of the test material, which includes a magnetic induction probe with a magnetic induction coil which is placed adjacent to the outer surface of the material. The instrument also includes an ultrasonic pulse-echo circuit for performing two separate but related tests, a measurement of the ultrasonic velocity of the test material, and also a measurement of the relative change in amplitude of an ultrasonic pulse as it traverses the test material from an outer surface thereof to an inner surface, where it is echoed back to the outer surface for detection.