Abstract: An eddy-current crack detection probe is described which allows inspection of turbomachinery parts of conductive material for cracks without removal of the parts to be inspected from the machine or disassembly of the casings normally restricting physical access to these parts. The crack detection probe is particularly useful for field inspections of the trailing edges of turbine buckets of a gas turbine for cracks not readily detectable by optical techniques. The probe, which is insertable through a small opening in the turbomachine casing and thereafter can be remotely manipulated to assume an appropriate inspection position, includes a small eddy-current sensor and may include a borescope for remote viewing of the sensor and turbine bucket edge to be inspected.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a borescope probe in a gas turbine includes a housing, spaced swivel or washer bearings which receive the stem of the borescope probe, resilient washers disposed between the bearings that receive the borescope stem in close fitting relationship therewith, and a locking collar to selectively urge the bearings toward each other so as to deform the washers into gripping engagement with the borescope stem and frictionally lock the bearings.