Apparatus and method for inspecting a laminated structure
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsJeffrey R. Kollgaard, William J. Tapia
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems and methods for inspecting a hole in a laminated structure. An exemplary system includes a transducer assembly configured to direct sound waves substantially parallel to a surface of the hole. The system further includes a controller that collects A-scan data for multiple rotational positions of the transducer assembly as the transducer assembly is rotated within the hole. The controller processes the A-scan data for the multiple rotational positions of the transducer assembly to generate B-scan data, and displays the B-scan data.
Claims20
A method for inspecting a hole in a laminated structure using an ultrasonic inspection device, wherein the ultrasonic inspection device includes a transducer assembly configured to direct sound waves substantially parallel to a surface of the hole, the method comprising:
- inserting the transducer assembly in the hole in the laminated structure;
- collecting A-scan data for multiple rotational positions of the transducer assembly as the transducer assembly is rotated within the hole;
- processing the A-scan data for the multiple rotational positions of the transducer assembly to generate B-scan data;
- and
- displaying the B-scan data.
An ultrasonic inspection device for inspecting a hole in a laminated structure, the ultrasonic inspection device comprising:
- an ultrasonic probe that includes a transducer assembly for insertion into the hole, wherein the transducer assembly is configured to direct sound waves substantially parallel to a surface of the hole;
- and
- a controller coupled to the transducer assembly;
- the controller is configured to collect A-scan data for multiple rotational positions of the transducer assembly as the transducer assembly is rotated within the hole, to process the A-scan data for the multiple rotational positions of the transducer assembly to generate B-scan data, and to display the B-scan data.
A method for inspecting a hole in a laminated structure, the method comprising:
- inserting a transducer assembly of an ultrasonic probe into a hole in a laminated structure;
- collecting A-scan data for multiple rotational positions of the transducer assembly as the transducer assembly is rotated within the hole by:
- determining a present rotational position of the transducer assembly;
- generating a sound wave in a transducer of the transducer assembly that is directed toward a side of an elongated transducer rod, wherein the sound wave refracts when passing through the side of the transducer rod at an angle substantially parallel to a surface of the hole;
- receiving at least one echo wave at the transducer;
- and
- converting the at least one echo wave into the A-scan data that is associated with the present rotational position of the transducer assembly;
- processing the A-scan data for the multiple rotational positions of the transducer assembly to generate B-scan data;
- and
- displaying the B-scan data.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.