INSPECTION EQUIPMENT

Aging AircraftMagnetic Particle

  • Magnaflux L-10 Coil
The Magnaflux L-10 coil allows for longitudinal magnetization of parts to be inspected. By inspecting a part in one direction of magnetization and then rotating it 90 degrees and re-inspecting, the coil allows an inspector to perform a rapid, 100 percent evaluation of the part. This inspection method requires that inspection objects are ferro-magnetic. The coil allows for only alternating current excitation.
  • Parker Research AC/DC Yoke

This yoke allows for longitudinal magnetization in both the direct current and alternating current modes. Direct current mode provides deeper part penetration of the magnetic flux, and the alternating current mode is specialized for sensitive surface inspections. This inspection method requires that inspection objects are ferro-magnetic.

Liquid Penetrant

The liquid penetrant inspection system includes a plumbed wash basin, a dryer rack and full system control including intensity of inspection lighting, dryer temperature range, and water and penetrant pressure and temperature regulation. All of these allow the inspector full control over the sensitivity of the inspection to provide the optimum system settings for a particular component under inspection. The type 1 (fluorescent), method A (water soluble), form A (dry powder developer) is the primary method in use at the Aging Aircraft Research Laboratory.

**The magnetic particle and liquid penetrant inspection includes a darkroom booth for viewing of fluorescent particle indications with a black light.

Eddy Current

  • Magneto Optic Imaging System (MOI)

The MOI system is an eddy current-based inspection method whereby polarized light captures the image of the induced magnetic fields in the object being inspected and provides the inspector with a real-time image of the part being inspected. The system is capable of continuous inspection enabling rapid scanning of inspection areas. Estimated depth of defect and defect characterization are possible with this equipment.

  • Staveley Workstation

The Staveley Workstation is a modular-inspection system capable of performing ultrasonic and eddy current inspection. The Module 210 allows for ultrasonic inspection in the pulse echo and through transmission modes of operation. The dual frequency Module 220 allows for eddy current inspection using surface and subsurface crack and corrosion detection, bolt hole inspection, de-alloying of metals, conductivity testing and coating layer thickness.

  • Nortec 2000S Eddy Scope

The Nortec 2000S system is a handheld eddy current inspection system. It is capable of performing surface and subsurface crack detection, bolt hole inspection, de-alloying of metals, conductivity testing, and coating layer thickness testing. This inspection system is a single-frequency system.

Microscopic

  • Meiji Inc 7-45x Optical Microscope

This microscope is useful in searching for and verifying defects. It is used to determine crack lengths and areas of corrosion. This microscope can sometimes be used to determine the cause of defects.

  • Hirox Co. 50-300x Optical Microscope

This microscope serves the same purposes as the 7-45x microscope, but it provides a higher magnification and can rotate 360 degrees. This is useful for finding cracks in fastener holes and viewing defects at different angles. It also has an attachment that is portable for viewing defects in difficult locations.

This microscope is capable of measuring the depth of defects.

  • Rene Co. Digital Optical Micromete

This microscope is used to measure the depths of cracks and corrosion. It can be focused at the top and bottom of the defect to accurately identify the depth of the defect. This is especially useful in characterizing corrosion severity.

  • Joel Scanning Electron Microscope

This microscope has a magnification of 5-300,000x and a resolution of 3.0 nanometers. It has a five-axis stage and is directly accessed by a computer. The SEM takes high-resolution photographs of defects and is used to view details on crack faces. This machine will allow the user to determine the cause of a crack, whether or not the crack is propagating, and its precise length. The SEM can be used to count fatigue striations and other qualities at a molecular level.