Project Title:

Optical Surface Contouring for Non-Destructive Inspection of Turbomachinery

Physical Research, Inc.
25500 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 2300
Torrance, CA 90505-6828

93-101.03   0056   _   AMOUNT REQUESTED $70,000

Optical Surface Contouring for Non-Destructive Inspection of Turbomachinery

Abstract:

Detection and characterization of surface defects on the internal
components of propulsion systems is currently done by visual
inspection with borescopes. These inspections are subject to many
sources of error and uncertainty, making the experience of the
inspector a critical factor in the quality of the result. Current
economics pressures to improve competitiveness and efficiency exist
throughout the aerospace industry. Improved inspection techniques
are needed in order to eliminate unnecessary equipment teardowns
and yet protect safety margins while making better use of scarce
inspection expertise.
We propose to develop an instrument which will present to the
inspector an accurate three dimensional view of the surface under
inspection. This instrument will eliminate uncertainties about the
precise size of surface defects, making inspections quicker and
more accurate. The instrument will use the technology of non-
contact optical surface contouring; here applied for the first time
to an application which is so dominated by practical difficulties.
In phase I we will determine the feasibility of this instrument, in
both technical and practical terms. Our project team is uniquely
qualified; since it has strong capability in both electro-optical
instrumentation development in the commercialization of NDT
instrumentation for the aerospace industry.

The proposed inspection technology will lead to significant
improvement in the accuracy of inspection and safety of propulsion
system components. It will add significant capability of the in
service inspection of propulsion systems such as SSME turbopump
blades. Once developed, it will find immediate application in a
large variety of tasks where nondestructive, high accuracy
dimensional characterization of complex surfaces are required.

Non contact surface inspection, surface contouring, crack detection