Abstract: The invention relates to tapered reference standards, and methods for their manufacture and use. An ultrasonic inspection reference standard for tapered, composite materials may include a member having at least one tapered section. The member may be manufactured from a fiber-free polymer resin using a stereo lithography process. The tapered reference standards may substantially mimic the affect on ultrasonic sound passing through tapered sections in composite laminates.

Abstract: The invention relates to pseudo porosity standards, and methods for their manufacture and use, which may substantially mimic the effect porosity has on ultrasonic sound as it passes through a composite laminate. An ultrasonic inspection reference standard for composite materials having porosity may include a member having at least one thickness and at least one discrete wire. The member may be manufactured from a fiber-free polymer resin using a stereo lithography process. The discrete wire may scatter and attenuate ultrasonic energy. The reference standard may replace more costly, porous, fiber-reinforced, composite reference standards in the aircraft industry and in other non-aircraft applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to pseudo porosity standards, and methods for their manufacture and use, which substantially mimic the effect porosity has on ultrasonic sound as it passes through a composite laminate. An ultrasonic inspection reference standard for composite materials having porosity may include a member having at least one thickness and at least one mesh. The member may be manufactured from a fiber-free polymer resin using a stereo lithography process. Use of the mesh produces a standard which transmits ultrasonic energy, with the mesh scattering and attenuating the energy. The manufactured reference standard may replace more costly porous, fiber-reinforced, composite reference standards in the aircraft industry and in other non-aircraft applications.