Development of Automatic Systems for NDT Inspection of Wheels and Propeller Blades of Airplanes

Many maintenance operations in Aeronautic industry are based on the application of NDT techniques. Along with the demands for higher capability in accurately detect, localize and size the imperfections one key challenge for NDT technology is to cope with the high productivity demands.One solution to assure high reliability level and increase productivity is to automate many procedures which are still performed manually with validation of results typically pending on a certified NDT technician. The present paper addresses the design, implementation, calibration and validation of new automatized procedures for the quality inspection of aeronautic wheels, and aeronautic propeller blades

NASA contributions to fluidic systems: A survey

A state-of-the art review of fluidic technology is presented. It is oriented towards systems applications rather than theory or design. It draws heavily upon work performed or sponsored by NASA in support of the space program and aeronautical research and development (R&D). Applications are emphasized in this survey because it is hoped that the examples described and the criteria presented for evaluating the suitability of fluidics to new applications will be of value to potential users of fluidic systems. This survey of the fluidics industry suggests some of the means whereby a company may use a fluidic system effectively either to manufacture a product or as part of the end product

Digitally focused array ultrasonic testing technique for carbon fiber composite structures

Composite fiber reinforced polymers are highly promising structures. At present, they are widely used in different areas such as aeronautics and nuclear industries. There is a great number of advantages of composite structures such as design flexibility, low cost per cubic inch, resistance to corrosion, lower material costs, lighter weight and improved productivity. However, composites degradation may be caused by different mechanisms such as overload, impact, overheating, creep and fatigue. Comparing to inspection of other materials some unique consideration is required for testing and analysis. Ultrasound testing is the most common method for inspection of composite structures. Digitally Focused Array Technology is considered as novel approach which enables fast and effective quantitative automatic testing. In this study new methodology of quality assurance of composite structure components based on DFA is performed

Detection and classification of aircraft fixation elements during manufacturing processes using a convolutional neural network

The aerospace sector is one of the main economic drivers that strengthens our present, constitutes our future and is a source of competitiveness and innovation with great technological development capacity. In particular, the objective of manufacturers on assembly lines is to automate the entire process by using digital technologies as part of the transition toward Industry 4.0. In advanced manufacturing processes, artificial vision systems are interesting because their performance influences the liability and productivity of manufacturing processes. Therefore, developing and validating accurate, reliable and flexible vision systems in uncontrolled industrial environments is a critical issue. This research deals with the detection and classification of fasteners in a real, uncontrolled environment for an aeronautical manufacturing process, using machine learning techniques based on convolutional neural networks. Our system achieves 98.3% accuracy in a processing time of 0.8 ms per image. The results reveal that the machine learning paradigm based on a neural network in an industrial environment is capable of accurately and reliably estimating mechanical parameters to improve the performance and flexibility of advanced manufacturing processing of large parts with structural responsibility.This publication was carried out as part of the project Nuevas Uniones de estructuras aeronáuticas reference number IDI-20180754. This project has been supported by the Spanish Ministry of Ciencia e Innovación and Centre for Industrial Technological Development (CDTI)

Large Wind Energy Converter: Growian 3 MW

The final report on the projected application of larger-scale wind turbine on the northern German coast is summarized. The designs of the tower, machinery housing, rotor, and rotor blades are described accompanied various construction materials are examined. Rotor blade adjustment devices auxiliary and accessory equipment are examined

Methods of measuring residual stresses in components

Residual stresses occur in many manufactured structures and components. Large number of investigations have been carried out to study this phenomenon and its effect on the mechanical characteristics of these components. Over the years, different methods have been developed to measure residual stress for different types of components in order to obtain reliable assessment. The various specific methods have evolved over several decades and their practical applications have greatly benefited from the development of complementary technologies, notably in material cutting, full-field deformation measurement techniques, numerical methods and computing power. These complementary technologies have stimulated advances not only in measurement accuracy and reliability, but also in range of application; much greater detail in residual stresses measurement is now available. This paper aims to classify the different residual stresses measurement methods and to provide an overview of some of the recent advances in this area to help researchers on selecting their techniques among destructive, semi destructive and non destructive techniques depends on their application and the availabilities of those techniques. For each method scope, physical limitation, advantages and disadvantages are summarized. In the end this paper indicates some promising directions for future developments

Damage Tolerant Active Contro l: Concept and State of the Art

Damage tolerant active control is a new research area relating to fault tolerant control design applied to mechanical structures. It encompasses several techniques already used to design controllers and to detect and to diagnose faults, as well to monitor structural integrity. Brief reviews of the common intersections of these areas are presented, with the purpose to clarify its relations and also to justify the new controller design paradigm. Some examples help to better understand the role of the new area