Method and apparatus for detecting inconsistencies in fiber reinforced resin parts using eddy curents
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorSteven K. Brady
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Inconsistencies in a reinforced resin matrix part are detected using an inductive coupling probe connected with or part of a tuned resonant circuit. An alternating magnetic field produced by the probe is coupled to the part and produces eddy currents in the part. Inconsistencies in the part result in changes in the complex impedance and/or resonance of the circuit which are detected by a network analyzer.
Claims25
Apparatus for detecting inconsistencies in a composite material, comprising:
- a circuit including an inductive probe producing a magnetic field coupled to the composite material;
- and,
- an analyzer for analyzing the response of the circuit to changes in the magnetic field resulting from inconsistencies in the composite material.
Apparatus for detecting inconsistencies in a carbon fiber reinforced resin composite structure, comprising:
- an inductive coil for inducing eddy currents in the composite structure;
- means for applying an alternating electrical signal to the coil;
- a circuit coupled with the coil and having electrical characteristics that change in response to changes in the eddy currents;
- and,
- an analyzer for analyzing changes in the electrical characteristics of the circuit.
A method of detecting inconsistencies in a structure formed of carbon fiber reinforced resin material, comprising the steps of:
- (A) generating an alternating magnetic field;
- (B) producing eddy currents within the material using the magnetic field generated in step (A);
- (C) inductively coupling the eddy currents with an electrical circuit;
- and,
- (D) analyzing changes in electrical characteristics of the circuit caused by changes in the eddy currents.
A method of detecting inconsistencies in a resin part containing conductive reinforcement fibers, comprising the steps of:
- (A) generating a magnetic field having an alternating polarity;
- (B) producing eddy currents in the part using the magnetic field generated in step (A);
- (C) coupling the eddy currents produced in step (B) with an LRC circuit;
- and,
- (D) analyzing changes in characteristics of the LRC circuit resulting from changes in the eddy currents.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.