Abstract: In an embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a molybdenum composite hybrid laminate. The laminate has a plurality of composite material layers. The laminate further has a plurality of surface treated molybdenum foil layers interweaved between the composite material layers. The laminate further has a plurality of adhesive layers disposed between and bonding adjacent layers of the composite material layers and the molybdenum foil layers.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing nondestructive inspection (NDI) services. For example in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a system for remote inspection includes a nondestructive inspection (NDI) system configured to examine a structure and provide NDI data related to a damage condition of the structure, the NDI system being configured to communicate the NDI data to a remote location; and a remote computer disposed at the remote location, the remote computer being configured to receive the NDI data and provide the received NDI data for a review, the remote computer being configured to communicate an analytical result based on the review to the NDI system, the analytical result including a repair disposition decision corresponding to the damage condition.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are disclosed for the use of Lamb waves in laser bond inspection.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus may include an arm member, a vacuum pump, a contact member, and at least one probe. The contact member may be connected to the arm member and connected to the vacuum pump for contacting and applying vacuum pressure from the vacuum pump to a workpiece surface being inspected. The at least one probe may be connected to the arm member for emitting signals against the workpiece surface being inspected and for receiving signals from the workpiece surface being inspected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a structure. An x-ray system and the structure are positioned relative to each other. The x-ray system comprises a gas source configured to provide a gas, a laser system configured to emit a laser beam, a steering system, and a detector. The steering system is configured to direct a first portion of the laser beam into the gas such that an electron beam is generated by the laser beam interacting with the gas and is configured to direct a second portion of the laser beam into the electron beam such that a collimated x-ray beam is formed. The detector is configured to detect the collimated x-ray beam. The collimated x-ray beam is emitted with the structure positioned relative to the x-ray system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a structure. An x-ray system and the structure are positioned relative to each other. The x-ray system comprises a gas source configured to provide a gas, a laser system configured to emit a laser beam, a steering system, and a detector. The steering system is configured to direct a first portion of the laser beam into the gas such that an electron beam is generated by the laser beam interacting with the gas and is configured to direct a second portion of the laser beam into the electron beam such that a collimated x-ray beam is formed. The detector is configured to detect the collimated x-ray beam. The collimated x-ray beam is emitted with the structure positioned relative to the x-ray system.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus may include an arm member, a vacuum pump, a contact member, and at least one probe. The contact member may be connected to the arm member and connected to the vacuum pump for contacting and applying vacuum pressure from the vacuum pump to a workpiece surface being inspected. The at least one probe may be connected to the arm member for emitting signals against the workpiece surface being inspected and for receiving signals from the workpiece surface being inspected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for multi-energy object inspection using a brilliant x-ray source. A first mono-energetic x-ray image of an object at a first selected energy is generated. A second mono-energetic x-ray image of the object at a second selected energy is generated. The first selected energy is different than the second selected energy. Additional mono-energetic x-ray images may be generated at energies different than previous energies up to n selected energies. The mono-energetic x-ray images are mathematically combined and processed to form a result. The result of processing the mono-energetic x-ray images is presented. The result comprises processed mono-energetic x-ray image data describing materials in the object with greater sensitivity, identifying the layers, and identifying the material composition than in the first image or the second image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to identify unacceptable levels of porosity, microcracking or defects attributable to thermal damage. Ultrasonic signals are introduced into the workpiece, such as by means of an ultrasonic transmitter. The ultrasonic signals propagate along a predefined axis of propagation oriented at an offset angle relative to a predefined reference direction oriented normal to the workpiece. Backscattered signals are received, such as by an ultrasonic receiver, from the workpiece. A measure representative of the cumulative energy of the backscattered signals received over a predefined time interval is then determined, such as integration performed by a processing element. An anomalous response may then be detected based upon the measure representative of the cumulative energy of the backscattered signals. This anomalous response may be representative of at least a predefined amount of porosity, microcracking or thermal damage.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for generation of focused stress waves that selectively apply tensile stress to local regions of a bonded article.

Abstract: A device and method for monitoring the material health of a structure, providing a miniaturized MEMS Kelvin probe within a housing, wherein the Kelvin probe comprises a conductive plate formed of a stable metal and positioned substantially parallel to the structure; a piezoelectric vibrator for vibrating the conductive plate; and an electrical circuit connected to the conductive plate and the structure, wherein the conductive plate and the structure form a capacitor. The device is contained in one small, lightweight package that can be placed at one or more locations of interest. The sensor can be left in-place for continuous monitoring or for active testing at desired intervals, or be brought to the aircraft at desired intervals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for multi-energy object inspection using a brilliant x-ray source. A first mono-energetic x-ray image of an object at a first selected energy is generated. A second mono-energetic x-ray image of the object at a second selected energy is generated. The first selected energy is different than the second selected energy. Additional mono-energetic x-ray images may be generated at energies different than previous energies up to n selected energies. The mono-energetic x-ray images are mathematically combined and processed to form a result. The result of processing the mono-energetic x-ray images is presented. The result comprises processed mono-energetic x-ray image data describing materials in the object with greater sensitivity, identifying the layers, and identifying the material composition than in the first image or the second image.

Abstract: A hybrid inspection system and method are provided which utilize both an air-coupled transducer and a liquid-coupled transducer in order to enjoy the advantages offered by both types of transducers. The hybrid inspection system may include a first probe that includes the air-coupled transducer, such as a capacitive machined ultrasonic transducer, which is configured to emit ultrasonic signals and to air couple the ultrasonic signals into a workpiece. The hybrid inspection system may also include a second probe that includes the liquid-coupled transducer, such as a piezoelectric transducer, configured to receive the ultrasonic signals emitted by the air-coupled transducer of the first probe via a liquid coupling between the transducer and the workpiece.

Abstract: A brilliant x-ray inspection device comprises a brilliant x-ray source and a detector. The brilliant x-ray source generates mono-energetic, narrow beam x-rays at an identified energy. A portion of an object is positioned within a path of the mono-energetic, narrow beam x-rays. The detector generates brilliant x-ray data describing the object in three dimensions based on results of the x-ray scan of the object. The brilliant x-ray inspection device then generates a set of brilliant x-ray images of the portion of the object. The features of the object are identified based on the set of brilliant x-ray images.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying and tagging a target, such an individual or an item, are described that provide an improved mechanism for identifying the target without alerting the target. In this regard, a method and apparatus can irradiate the target so as to create a radioisotope signature for the target. By thereafter monitoring the radioisotope signature, the target can be identified and tracked in a covert manner.

Abstract: An ultrasonic stimulus pulse is emitted incident to a laminar structure and recorded as pulse data. Echoes resulting from the stimulus pulse are recorded as echo data. One or more vectors are derived by way of time-shifting the recorded pulse data by respective amounts and a matrix ? is defined including the one or more vectors. An echo vector Y is defined using the recorded echo data. A solution vector X is determined in accordance with: Y=?*X, typically within a predetermined tolerance. B-scan display or other analysis of one or more distinct solution vectors enables user and/or automated identification and measurement of any anomalies within the laminate material.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for generation of focused stress waves that selectively apply tensile stress to local regions of a bonded article.

Abstract: A method of disassembling at least a portion of a structure that includes parts which are bonded together. The method includes selecting a subsurface depth within the structure at which it is desired to cause debonding of the structure. A laser beam diameter, pulse width and power level predetermined to produce a peak tensile stress within the structure at the selected depth are selected. A laser having the selected beam diameter is used to apply a shock load at the selected pulse width and power level to the structure. Using this method, damaged or unwanted aircraft skin, patches or overlays on structure can be removed more cleanly and simply than milling, grinding or other mechanical methods.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting a structure are provided. The system includes a data system that is capable of providing information indicative of at least a portion of the structure. The system also includes a flexible display that is positioned proximate to the structure and in communication with the data system. The flexible display is capable of displaying an image indicative of at least a portion of the structure based on the information provided by the data system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to identify unacceptable levels of porosity, microcracking or defects attributable to thermal damage. Ultrasonic signals are introduced into the workpiece, such as by means of an ultrasonic transmitter. The ultrasonic signals propagate along a predefined axis of propagation oriented at an offset angle relative to a predefined reference direction oriented normal to the workpiece. Backscattered signals are received, such as by an ultrasonic receiver, from the workpiece. A measure representative of the cumulative energy of the backscattered signals received over a predefined time interval is then determined, such as integration performed by a processing element. An anomalous response may then be detected based upon the measure representative of the cumulative energy of the backscattered signals. This anomalous response may be representative of at least a predefined amount of porosity, microcracking or thermal damage.