Project Title:

Resonant Ultrasound Inspection of Ceramic Ball Bearings

Quatro Corporation
4300 San Mateo Blvd. NE
Suite B-290
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110

93-113.04   1994    _       AMOUNT REQUESTED $70,000

Resonant Ultrasound Inspection of Ceramic Ball Bearings

Abstract:

Quatro proposes to apply the recently invented Resonant Ultrasound
Spectroscopy (RUS) technology to the problem of non-destructive
inspection (NDI) of rocket engine ceramic ball bearings. We have
previously demonstrated that the RUS technology can quickly
(seconds) detect the presence of flaws such as cracks, occlusions,
density variations, roundness errors, texturing and internal strain
in ball bearings which are not readily detectable with normal
testing procedures.
In this phase I effort, we will extend our recently developed
analysis tools for prediction of the RUS spectrum of asymmetric or
anisotropic ball bearings to compute the spectral perturbations by
small flaws that could lead to failure. These spectra when compared
to the measured spectrum will provide a quick screen for flaw type.
For every bearing, a spectral history can be maintained, and during
routine maintenance testing, bearings that have developed wear
induced flaws can be quickly identified through comparison to prior
measured spectra and the computed library of flawed spectra. The
proposal will outline our approach to the problem of extending the
current analytical techniques coupled with the spectral
measurements to produce a software tool that can image the flaw
producing the ultrasound spectrum.

We have already found commercial acceptance for the RUS method for
flaw detection in ceramic parts. Clearly missing is the ability to
quickly discriminate between flaw types. It will be a valuable tool
to many industries and help enormously with real time quality
control of the production process.

Resonant, Ultrasound, Ceramics, Ball-Bearings, Flaw Detection