Apparatus, system, and method for inspecting parts

A system for inspecting structural integrity of a part, comprising:

• a vibration initiator configured to impart an acoustic shockwave to a part;
• an acoustic detector configured to detect the acoustic shockwave as the acoustic shockwave propagates through the part,
• wherein:
• the acoustic detector comprises a body and a plurality of nanotubes co-movably coupled to the body and configured to generate electrical signals when acted upon by the acoustic shockwave, and
• the body and the plurality of nanotubes of the acoustic detector are movable across a surface of the part as the plurality of nanotubes generates the electrical signal;
• the generated electrical signals enable detection of pre-existing structural abnormalities in the part that existed prior to a causation of the acoustic shockwave propagating through the part;
• and
• a reporting unit configured to determine structural integrity of the part in response to the electrical signals detect, utilizing the generated electrical signals, pre-existing structural abnormalities in the part that existed prior to a causation of the acoustic shockwave propagating through the part;
• wherein:
• the at least one detector further comprises a flexible substrate and an array of microphones on the flexible substrate;
• at least one microphone in the array of microphones comprises the plurality of nanotubes;
• and
• the plurality of nanotubes extend perpendicular to the flexible substrate.

A method of inspecting structural integrity of a part, comprising:

• propagating an acoustic shockwave through the part;
• moving a body, to which a plurality of nanotubes is co-movably coupled, across a surface of the part, wherein the body comprises at least one sensor comprising a flexible substrate and an array of microphones on the flexible substrate;
• at least one microphone in the array of microphones comprises the plurality of nanotubes;
• and
• the plurality of nanotubes extend perpendicular to the flexible substrate;
• while the body and the plurality of nanotubes are moved across the surface of the part:
• vibrating the plurality of nanotubes in response to the acoustic shockwave, wherein an intensity of vibration of the plurality of nanotubes is proportional to an intensity of the acoustic shockwave;
• and
• generating electrical signals in response to vibration of the plurality of nanotubes, wherein the electrical signals are proportional to the intensity of vibration of the plurality of nanotubes;
• and
• utilizing the generated electrical signals to detect pre-existing structural abnormalities in the part that existed prior to a causation of the acoustic shockwave propagating through the part.