Abstract: A system and method for internally inspecting a tubular composite part so as to identify and measure adhesive flow therewithin are provided, along with an endpoint adapter assembly of a near infrared (NIR) spectrometer. The system includes an end point adapter that fits within and maintains a consistent cross-sectional position within the tubular composite part. The system also includes a plurality of optical fibers extending radially outward from the end point adapter. The end point adapter moves longitudinally through the tubular composite part and receives light with the plurality of optical fibers following interaction of the light with the tubular composite part. The system further includes a NIR imaging spectrometer configured to disperse the light being collected by the plurality of optical fibers across an NIR spectrum and a NIR camera configured to generate images of the tubular composite part based on dispersed light.

Abstract: A system for measuring thermal degradation of composites includes a cylindrical body; a bottom cover having a lower central aperture; an upper concave mirror facing the bottom cover with an upper central orifice concentric with a central axis of the body; a lower concave mirror facing the upper concave mirror with a lower central orifice concentric with the central axis; a source of actinic radiation between the upper concave mirror and the lower concave mirror on the central axis to direct actinic radiation through the lower central orifice and lower central aperture; and a camera with an image sensor positioned concentrically relative to the upper central orifice; wherein the bottom cover is adjustable relative to the cylindrical body to provide a focusing function for the image sensor by varying the distance from the lower central orifice and the upper reflective surface.

Abstract: A system and method for internally inspecting a tubular composite part so as to identify and measure adhesive flow therewithin are provided, along with an endpoint adapter assembly of a near infrared (NIR) spectrometer. The system includes an end point adapter that fits within and maintains a consistent cross-sectional position within the tubular composite part. The system also includes a plurality of optical fibers extending radially outward from the end point adapter. The end point adapter moves longitudinally through the tubular composite part and receives light with the plurality of optical fibers following interaction of the light with the tubular composite part. The system further includes a NIR imaging spectrometer configured to disperse the light being collected by the plurality of optical fibers across an NIR spectrum and a NIR camera configured to generate images of the tubular composite part based on dispersed light.

Abstract: A multispectral imaging system and method and a system for composite layup are provided in order to detect foreign object debris during the fabrication of a composite structure. In the context of a method, a surface of a composite material is illuminated with near infrared light. The method also detects the near infrared light following interaction of the near infrared light with the composite material. Following detection, the method analyzes a spectrum of the near infrared light to detect foreign object debris upon the composite material. The method analyzes the spectrum of near infrared light by distinguishing between different types of foreign object debris as a result of comparing the spectrum of near infrared light to predefined spectral signatures of a plurality of different types of foreign object debris. The method may also determine the size and location of the foreign object debris.

Abstract: A system for measuring thermal degradation of composites includes a cylindrical body; a bottom cover having a lower central aperture; an upper concave mirror facing the bottom cover with an upper central orifice concentric with a central axis of the body; a lower concave mirror facing the upper concave mirror with a lower central orifice concentric with the central axis; a source of actinic radiation between the upper concave mirror and the lower concave mirror on the central axis to direct actinic radiation through the lower central orifice and lower central aperture; and a camera with an image sensor positioned concentrically relative to the upper central orifice; wherein the bottom cover is adjustable relative to the cylindrical body to provide a focusing function for the image sensor by varying the distance from the lower central orifice and the upper reflective surface.

Abstract: A system for measuring thermal degradation of composites, may include a housing having an interior with an opening shaped to expose a test area of the composite to be tested to the interior; a light-emitting diode that emits primarily ultraviolet radiation, the diode mounted on the housing to direct the ultraviolet radiation into the interior and through the opening; an image sensor mounted on the housing and open to the interior to receive radiation emitted from the test area passing through the opening into the interior; and an image processor connected to receive a signal from the image sensor, the image processor determining a presence or absence of thermal degradation of the test area in response to the signal.

Abstract: A multispectral imaging system and method and a system for composite layup are provided in order to detect foreign object debris during the fabrication of a composite structure. In the context of a method, a surface of a composite material is illuminated with near infrared light. The method also detects the near infrared light following interaction of the near infrared light with the composite material. Following detection, the method analyzes a spectrum of the near infrared light to detect foreign object debris upon the composite material. The method analyzes the spectrum of near infrared light by distinguishing between different types of foreign object debris as a result of comparing the spectrum of near infrared light to predefined spectral signatures of a plurality of different types of foreign object debris. The method may also determine the size and location of the foreign object debris.

Abstract: A multispectral imaging system and method and a system for composite layup are provided in order to detect foreign object debris during the fabrication of a composite structure. In the context of a method, a surface of a composite material is illuminated with near infrared light. The method also detects the near infrared light following interaction of the near infrared light with the composite material. Following detection, the method analyzes a spectrum of the near infrared light to detect foreign object debris upon the composite material. The method analyzes the spectrum of near infrared light by distinguishing between different types of foreign object debris as a result of comparing the spectrum of near infrared light to predefined spectral signatures of a plurality of different types of foreign object debris. The method may also determine the size and location of the foreign object debris.

Abstract: A system for measuring thermal degradation of composites, may include a housing having an interior with an opening shaped to expose a test area of the composite to be tested to the interior; a light-emitting diode that emits primarily ultraviolet radiation, the diode mounted on the housing to direct the ultraviolet radiation into the interior and through the opening; an image sensor mounted on the housing and open to the interior to receive radiation emitted from the test area passing through the opening into the interior; and an image processor connected to receive a signal from the image sensor, the image processor determining a presence or absence of thermal degradation of the test area in response to the signal.

Abstract: A multispectral imaging system and method and a system for composite layup are provided in order to detect foreign object debris during the fabrication of a composite structure. In the context of a method, a surface of a composite material is illuminated with near infrared light. The method also detects the near infrared light following interaction of the near infrared light with the composite material. Following detection, the method analyzes a spectrum of the near infrared light to detect foreign object debris upon the composite material. The method analyzes the spectrum of near infrared light by distinguishing between different types of foreign object debris as a result of comparing the spectrum of near infrared light to predefined spectral signatures of a plurality of different types of foreign object debris. The method may also determine the size and location of the foreign object debris.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a test specimen assembly. A first material for the test specimen assembly and a witness coupon are positioned relative to each other. A surface treatment is applied onto a first surface of the first material and onto a surface of the witness coupon. An adhesive is applied onto the first surface of the first material. A second surface of a second material for the test specimen assembly is placed onto the first surface of the first material with the adhesive. The adhesive is cured to form the test specimen assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting a composite structure. A resin inspection system comprises a housing having an open section, a movement system associated with the housing, a light source associated with the housing, an infrared measurement system associated with the interior of the housing, and a visible light sensor system. The movement system is configured to move the housing on a surface of a composite structure. The light source is configured to emit light. The infrared measurement system is configured to generate infrared measurement information from infrared light detected by the infrared measurement system through the open section. The visible light sensor system is configured to generate image information about the surface of the composite structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting a composite structure. A resin inspection system comprises a housing having an open section, a movement system associated with the housing, a light source associated with the housing, an infrared measurement system associated with the interior of the housing, and a visible light sensor system. The movement system is configured to move the housing on a surface of a composite structure. The light source is configured to emit light. The infrared measurement system is configured to generate infrared measurement information from infrared light detected by the infrared measurement system through the open section. The visible light sensor system is configured to generate image information about the surface of the composite structure.