Abstract: Methods are presented. Signals are sent into a first surface of a structure using an ultrasonic transducer. Ultrasound response signals are received at the ultrasonic transducer. A portion of a second surface of the structure is heated while the ultrasonic transducer is sending signals into the first surface, wherein the second surface is on an opposite side of the structure from the first surface. Infrared images of the portion of the second surface of the structure are taken after heating the second surface.

Abstract: A signal is sent into a structure at an angle substantially parallel to a ramp of the structure using a transducer array positioned at a first surface of the structure. An ultrasound response signal is formed at a second surface of the structure. The ultrasound response signal is received at the transducer array.

Abstract: Methods are presented. Signals are sent into a first surface of a structure using an ultrasonic transducer. Ultrasound response signals are received at the ultrasonic transducer. A portion of a second surface of the structure is heated while the ultrasonic transducer is sending signals into the first surface, wherein the second surface is on an opposite side of the structure from the first surface. Infrared images of the portion of the second surface of the structure are taken after heating the second surface.

Abstract: A signal is sent into a structure at an angle substantially parallel to a ramp of the structure using a transducer array positioned at a first surface of the structure. An ultrasound response signal is formed at a second surface of the structure. The ultrasound response signal is received at the transducer array.

Abstract: A system and method that allow inspection of hollow structures made of composite material, such as an integrally stiffened wing box of an aircraft. A wing box comprises top and bottom skins connected by a plurality of spaced spars. The system employs a plurality of scanners for inspecting different portions of each spar. The system uses dynamically controlled magnetic coupling to connect an external drive tractor to computer-controlled scanners that carry respective sensors, e.g., linear ultrasonic transducer arrays. A system operator can control the various components by means of a graphical user interface comprising multiple interaction regions that represent the individual scanner motion paths and are associated with respective motion script files.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for measuring a thickness of an object. A first portion of a device is positioned on a first side of the object, and a second portion of the device is positioned on an opposite side of the object. The first portion includes at least one first mount and at least one eddy current sensor coupled to the first mount. The second portion includes at least one second mount and at least one target coupled to the second mount. The first mount is magnetically coupled to the second mount such that the eddy current sensor is oriented to interact with the target to enable the thickness of the object to be measured.

Abstract: A system and method that allow inspection of hollow structures made of composite material, such as an integrally stiffened wing box of an aircraft. A wing box comprises top and bottom skins connected by a plurality of spaced spars. The system employs a plurality of scanners for inspecting different portions of each spar. The system uses dynamically controlled magnetic coupling to connect an external drive tractor to computer-controlled scanners that carry respective sensors, e.g., linear ultrasonic transducer arrays. A system operator can control the various components by means of a graphical user interface comprising multiple interaction regions that represent the individual scanner motion paths and are associated with respective motion script files.

Abstract: A part holder for immersion ultrasonic testing having a solid buffer material with acoustic properties that match the immersion fluid is disclosed. Test systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A part holder for immersion ultrasonic testing having a solid buffer material with acoustic properties that match the immersion fluid is disclosed. Test systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-aligning probe assembly has one or more ultrasonic transducers adapted to transmit an ultrasonic shear wave into the inside surface of the hollow structure such as an aircraft fuse pin and to receive the shear wave emerging from the inside surface of the hollow structure. The nature of the received shear wave indicates the presence of flaws or damage in the inspected part. The probe assembly can be used to inspect fuse pins on aircraft without having to remove the aircraft engines.

Abstract: A hat stringer inspection device permits continuous inspection of hat stringers as one or more probes are moved along the length of the hat stringer. Probes may be magnetically coupled to opposing surfaces of the structure, including, for example, where one of the probes is positioned inside the hat stringer and the probes are magnetically coupled across the surface of the hat stringer. The device may be autonomous with a feedback-controlled motor to drive the inspection device along the hat stringer. Magnetic coupling is also used to re-orient the position and/or alignment of the probes with respect to changes in the hat stringer or shapes, sizes, and configurations of hat stingers.

Abstract: A hat stringer inspection device permits continuous inspection of hat stringers as one or more probes are moved along the length of the hat stringer. Probes may be magnetically coupled to opposing surfaces of the structure, including, for example, where one of the probes is positioned inside the hat stringer and the probes are magnetically coupled across the surface of the hat stringer. The device may be autonomous with a feedback-controlled motor to drive the inspection device along the hat stringer. Magnetic coupling is also used to re-orient the position and/or alignment of the probes with respect to changes in the hat stringer or shapes, sizes, and configurations of hat stingers.

Abstract: An ultrasonic scanner for inspection of radiused regions having scanner supports which include pivoted fingers containing the transducers and hands supporting the fingers attached to vertical arms by pins. The angle of the hands are controlled by the vertical position of the arms.

Abstract: An ultrasonic scanner for inspection of radiused regions having scanner supports which include pivoted fingers containing the transducers and hands supporting the fingers attached to vertical arms by pins. The angle of the hands are controlled by the vertical position of the arms.