Abstract: An inspection apparatus and method for inspecting an inner surface of a hollow composite part. The inspection apparatus may have a support frame, at least one transducer attached to the support frame, an ultrasound gel pad attached to an outer surface of the transducer, and a sponge attached to the support frame. The transducer may send and receive ultrasound waves and the sponge may be positioned to leave a trail of water when moved along the inner surface of the hollow composite part, such that the water rests between the ultrasound gel pad and the inner surface once the inspection apparatus reaches a location to be inspected. The ultrasound waves may thus be transmitted through the ultrasound gel pad and then through the water before bouncing off of the inner surface of the hollow composite part. The ultrasound waves bounced off of the inner surface may be detected by the transducer and analyzed to determine if there is a defect in the composite part.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus and method for inspecting an interior surface of a hollow composite part. The inspection apparatus may have a first plug, a second plug, and a trolley positioned between the first and second plugs. The first and second plugs may form a leak-proof seal against the interior surface of the hollow composite part. The trolley may support at least one inspection probe for testing the interior surface of the composite part. A method of inspecting the composite part may include the steps of inserting the inspection apparatus into the hollow composite part, pushing or pulling the inspection apparatus with an elongated actuation element to a desired area to be inspected within the composite part, then filling a space between first and second plugs with a liquid. Finally, the method may include a step of inspecting the interior surface of the hollow composite part with the inspection probe.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus and method for inspecting an inner surface of a hollow composite part. The inspection apparatus may have a support frame, at least one transducer attached to the support frame, an ultrasound gel pad attached to an outer surface of the transducer, and a sponge attached to the support frame. The transducer may send and receive ultrasound waves and the sponge may be positioned to leave a trail of water when moved along the inner surface of the hollow composite part, such that the water rests between the ultrasound gel pad and the inner surface once the inspection apparatus reaches a location to be inspected. The ultrasound waves may thus be transmitted through the ultrasound gel pad and then through the water before bouncing off of the inner surface of the hollow composite part. The ultrasound waves bounced off of the inner surface may be detected by the transducer and analyzed to determine if there is a defect in the composite part.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus and method for inspecting an interior surface of a hollow composite part. The inspection apparatus may have a first plug, a second plug, and a trolley positioned between the first and second plugs. The first and second plugs may form a leak-proof seal against the interior surface of the hollow composite part. The trolley may support at least one inspection probe for testing the interior surface of the composite part. A method of inspecting the composite part may include the steps of inserting the inspection apparatus into the hollow composite part, pushing or pulling the inspection apparatus with an elongated actuation element to a desired area to be inspected within the composite part, then filling a space between first and second plugs with a liquid. Finally, the method may include a step of inspecting the interior surface of the hollow composite part with the inspection probe.