Abstract: Methods and apparatus for inspecting a component are provided. The method includes receiving a plurality of data points that define a shape of the component, fitting the received data points to a curve that defines a predetermined model shape, and comparing the received data points to the curve defining the predetermined model shape to determine a break radius of the component.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer is provided having a transduction element in the form of a truncated cone. The angle of the transduction element is selected so that the majority of the acoustic energy incident on the target is refracted beyond the longitudinal critical angle, which minimizes contamination of the inspection results.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer system has at least one ultrasonic transducer. Each ultrasonic transducer includes a housing having a wall that is made at least in part of an organic structural material that is substantially impervious to water; and an ultrasonic sensor element located at least in part within the housing and positioned to transceive ultrasonic signals. The wall is preferably cylindrical in shape and made of polyvinylchloride plastic. An electrically grounded shield is within the housing and adjacent to an interior wall surface. The ultrasonic sensor element may be a piezoelectric copolymer film ultrasonic sensor element.

Abstract: The present invention provides an eddy current array probe having a complaint body molded around a rigid insert. A flexible eddy current array circuit is wrapped around the outer surface of the compliant body.

Abstract: The present invention provides an eddy current array probe having a complaint body molded around a rigid insert. A flexible eddy current array circuit is wrapped around the outer surface of the compliant body.

Abstract: A collimator for an X-ray inspection apparatus is provided comprising a carrier having a planar top surface; an arcuate base disposed on the carrier, comprising at least one arcuate bar section made from a radio-opaque material; and a plurality of radio-opaque collimator plates disposed on the arcuate base in a radial array with a bottom edge of each collimator plate in contact with the top surface of the arcuate base. A method for assembling such a collimator is also provided, as well as an alignment fixture useful for practicing the described method. The described structure, method, and alignment fixture permit the construction of large collimator assemblies while maintaining precision and minimizing cost.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer is provided having a transduction element in the form of a truncated cone. The angle of the transduction element is selected so that the majority of the acoustic energy incident on the target is refracted beyond the longitudinal critical angle, which minimizes contamination of the inspection results.

Abstract: A collimator for an X-ray inspection apparatus is provided comprising a carrier having a planar top surface; an arcuate base disposed on the carrier, comprising at least one arcuate bar section made from a radio-opaque material; and a plurality of radio-opaque collimator plates disposed on the arcuate base in a radial array with a bottom edge of each collimator plate in contact with the top surface of the arcuate base. A method for assembling such a collimator is also provided, as well as an alignment fixture useful for practicing the described method. The described structure, method, and alignment fixture permit the construction of large collimator assemblies while maintaining precision and minimizing cost.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer system has at least one ultrasonic transducer. Each ultrasonic transducer includes a housing having a wall that is made at least in part of an organic structural material that is substantially impervious to water; and an ultrasonic sensor element located at least in part within the housing and positioned to transceive ultrasonic signals. The wall is preferably cylindrical in shape and made of polyvinylchloride plastic. An electrically grounded shield is within the housing and adjacent to an interior wall surface. The ultrasonic sensor element may be a piezoelectric copolymer film ultrasonic sensor element.

Abstract: An eddy current inspection probe for inspecting a preselected surface at least partially defining an opening in a component. The probe includes a cast core having an exterior surface sized and shaped for receipt within the opening of the component and an eddy current array positioned over the exterior surface of the core for generating and detecting magnetic fields in the component to inspect the preselected surface of the component.

Abstract: An eddy current inspection probe for inspecting a preselected surface at least partially defining an opening in a component. The probe includes a cast core having an exterior surface sized and shaped for receipt within the opening of the component and an eddy current array positioned over the exterior surface of the core for generating and detecting magnetic fields in the component to inspect the preselected surface of the component.