Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting a composite structure. A response sound signal to a sound signal sent into the composite structure at a location on the composite structure is detected. An attenuation is identified in the response sound signal detected in response to the sound signal sent into the composite structure at the location on the composite structure. An indication of whether additional evaluation of the location is needed based on a comparison of the attenuation in the response sound signal to a baseline attenuation value for porosity for the location on the composite structure is generated.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for assessing component health for reconfigurable control are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of operating a product includes monitoring a first diagnostic information of a component of the product, and monitoring a second diagnostic information of a system that includes the component. The first and second diagnostic informations are then combined, and based at least partially on the combined first and second diagnostic information at least one of the component and the system are reconfigured.

Abstract: A heating control method and an associated system are provided for high rate fiber placement in the construction of composite materials. The heating control method includes measuring a temperature of a fiber tape, determining a velocity of the fiber tape, determining a feedback control value based on the temperature of the fiber tape and a target temperature of the fiber tape, determining a feedforward control value based on the target temperature of the fiber tape and the velocity of the fiber tape, determining a heat control value based on the feedback control value and the feedforward control value, and heating the fiber tape based on the heat control value. By employing the predictive nature of feedforward control, improved heating of the fiber tape is provided.