Abstract: A method of detecting cracks in an object includes: capturing a first image of a pattern of marks in a region of interest on a surface of the object; constructing a finite element model of the region of interest having nodes corresponding to the marks in the pattern; subjecting the object to a first mechanical load to produce strains in the object; capturing a second image of the pattern; computing strains in the object based on relative changes in locations of the marks in the first and second images; modifying the finite element model to produce a crack versus surface strain map; capturing a third image of the pattern; and comparing the locations of marks in the third image to the crack versus surface strain map to identify a crack in the object. An apparatus that performs the method is also provided.

Abstract: A device and a method are provided to allow a user to ream a hole to an accurate final diameter as desired, and at the same time, to cold work the hole to induce a beneficial residual stress that will enhance the life of the component by retarding the onset and growth of fatigue cracks in the hole. The basic design of the device has an elongated body having a forward end portion to extend through a hole to be reamed and cold worked, a reamer section formed on the circumference of the forward end portion to enlarge the hole, and a burnishing section formed on the circumference of the elongated body adjacent to the reamer. The burnishing section is operative to upset the material around the hole, so as to result in a residual stress beneficial to the hole. The reamer section is in the form of a plurality of cutting edges extending from a tip of the elongated body, while the burnishing section is also in the form of a plurality of cutting edges adjacent to the reamer section along the elongate body.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a specimen under test may comprise the step of disposing melted thermoplastic media onto a surface under test of the specimen under test, maintaining a constant temperature of the specimen under test at or about room temperature wherein the temperature of the specimen under test is initially lower than the temperature of the melted thermoplastic media, hardening the melted thermoplastic media to produce a replica with imperfections molded into a mating surface of the replica, and inspecting the mating surface of the replica for unsatisfactory or satisfactory imperfections in the specimen under test.

Abstract: A method of measuring strain in a test specimen comprises the steps of placing a pattern of marks on a surface of the test specimen, wherein the pattern of marks includes a plurality of target marks and a plurality of sets of coded marks, using the sets of coded marks to identify locations of at least two of the target marks, and using a change in distance between at least two of the marks to determine strain in the test specimen. An apparatus that performs the method is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using a plurality of regions of colored light to index and locate discrete targets in photogrammetry systems. The colored regions of light are used to determine a unique location on the surface of a three-dimensional object. Multiple projections of colored regions may be used to determine precise locations on the surface of the object. Each colored region may be assigned a color-numeric identified to assist in the indexing process. The process is suitable for determining the shape of aircraft, watercraft and automotive parts.