Abstract: A method enables a surface contour of an object to be measured using an optical system. The method includes positioning the object in a measurement cell, filling the cell with fluid, transmitting light towards the object in the measurement cell, measuring the illumination of a surface of the object, generating an image of the object based on the illumination of the surface.

Abstract: A method enables a surface contour of an object to be measured using an optical system. The method includes positioning the object in a measurement cell, filling the cell with fluid, transmitting light towards the object in the measurement cell, measuring the illumination of a surface of the object, generating an image of the object based on the illumination of the surface.

Abstract: A reference standard and method for inspecting dual-layered coatings. The reference standard has a first layer adherent to a substrate, the first layer has a predetermined thickness that increases in one direction. Adherent to the first layer is a second layer, the second layer has a predetermined thickness that increases in a direction orthogonal with the first layer. The orientation of the first and second layers of the reference standard provides a spectrum of the possible variations of the dual-layered coating.

Abstract: Brush seal lifetime and sealing efficiency are increased by providing a brush seal with a holder and a carrier moveably suspended from the holder by a plurality of flexible support wires. A plurality of bristles is secured to the carrier. Preferably, the holder is attached to a stationary member, and the bristles sealingly engage a rotating member.

Abstract: A reference standard and method for inspecting dual-layered coatings. The reference standard has a first layer adherent to a substrate, the first layer has a predetermined thickness that increases in one direction. Adherent to the first layer is a second layer, the second layer has a predetermined thickness that increases in a direction orthogonal with the first layer. The orientation of the first and second layers of the reference standard provides a spectrum of the possible variations of the dual-layered coating.

Abstract: A calibration standard for calibrating an eddy current inspection probe sized and shaped to inspect a preselected non-planar feature of a manufactured part. The feature extends in a longitudinal direction and in a lateral direction. Further, the feature has an end profile as viewed in the longitudinal direction having a substantially invariant shape and orientation. The calibration standard includes a body having a non-planar surface extending in a longitudinal direction and in a lateral direction. The standard also has an end profile as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the surface substantially identical to the profile of the feature. The surface of the body has an elongate narrow opening extending into the body substantially normal to the surface and traversing the surface of the body at a substantially constant angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the surface as viewed normal to the surface.

Abstract: An eddy current inspection probe for inspecting a preselected surface at least partially defining an opening in a component. The eddy current inspection probe includes a core moveable between a retracted position and an expanded position in which the probe is sized and shaped for at least partially filling the opening and contacting the preselected surface for inspecting the surface. The probe includes a compliant covering positioned over the exterior surface of the core and an eddy current array positioned over the outer face of the covering. Further, the probe includes an element positioned between an exterior surface of the core and an inner face of the covering having a coefficient of friction selected to permit the inner face of the covering to move tangentially with respect to the exterior surface of the core as the core is moved from the retracted position to the expanded position to ensure intimate contact between probe and the preselected surface of the component being inspected.

Abstract: A method for quality assurance of a laser shock peening process of workpieces includes measuring and recording or temporal light intensity data over a short period during the duration of a plasma associated with the vaporized material from laser shots fired during a production laser shock peening process. The recorded temporal data is then analyzed to obtain an instantaneous optical spectrum of the plasma and then used to provide statistical control of the production laser shock peening process. One correlation function of the present invention is based on a time integrated spectral peak intensity wavelength curve for each of the laser firings and for which a peak intensity wavelength is determined for a plurality of times during each plasma of a plurality or all of the firings. Production results from the analysis of the instantaneous optical spectrum is used to determine whether the production laser shock peening process is acceptable.

Abstract: A method of non-destructively evaluating or validating a processed area of an object such as a metallic laser shock peened surface by determining Rayleigh wave angles at various positions on the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for ultrasonically scanning a surface includes a plurality of pairs of 180 degree oppositely disposed transducers mounted in a rotatable head having a central axis about which the head is rotatable. A positioning system for positioning the transducers such that all beam axes of the transducers intersect the central axis at a single point. Axes of each pair are equiangular with respect to the centerline and axes of different pairs have incident and reflective angles between beam axes and the central axis that are different from those of other pairs. Incident and reflective angles of different pairs of transducers are preferably predetermined and in close proximity to a predetermined angle over a range of angles bracketing a predetermined critical angle. A translating system is preferably included for effecting translational motion between the head and the surface such that the single point lies substantially on the surface during scanning.