High resolution, high speed, and low cost digitial radiography and computed tomography system

Non-destructive evaluation is a branch of science that is concerned with all the aspects of uniformity, quality and serviceability of materials and structures. By definition, nondestructive evaluations are the means by which materials and structures may be inspected without disruption or impairment of their serviceability. Using NDE, internal properties of hidden flaws are revealed or inferred by appropriate techniques. Another important application of NDE is in process control monitoring where NDE techniques are used in the development of new materials and their evaluation. NDE is becoming an increasingly vital factor in the effective conduct of research, development, design and manufacturing programs. Aircraft industry is a prime example of this need for NDE. The fleet of commercial and military aircraft that are in use today is aging and consequently it has become critical to develop economical and fast systems for inspection of turbine blades, wing structures etc. Also, the materials used in the manufacturing industries vary widely from exotic composite materials to conventional materials like aluminum and nickel. So, the inspection systems must be capable of handling such varied materials in addition to speed and cost considerations

System data communication structures for active-control transport aircraft, volume 2

The application of communication structures to advanced transport aircraft are addressed. First, a set of avionic functional requirements is established, and a baseline set of avionics equipment is defined that will meet the requirements. Three alternative configurations for this equipment are then identified that represent the evolution toward more dispersed systems. Candidate communication structures are proposed for each system configuration, and these are compared using trade off analyses; these analyses emphasize reliability but also address complexity. Multiplex buses are recognized as the likely near term choice with mesh networks being desirable for advanced, highly dispersed systems

Conceptual design study for an advanced cab and visual system, volume 2

The performance, design, construction and testing requirements are defined for developing an advanced cab and visual system. The rotorcraft system integration simulator is composed of the advanced cab and visual system and the rotorcraft system motion generator, and is part of an existing simulation facility. User's applications for the simulator include rotorcraft design development, product improvement, threat assessment, and accident investigation

Mechanical systems readiness assessment and performance monitoring study

The problem of mechanical devices which lack the real-time readiness assessment and performance monitoring capability required for future space missions is studied. The results of a test program to establish the feasibility of implementing structure borne acoustics, a nondestructive test technique, are described. The program included the monitoring of operational acoustic signatures of five separate mechanical components, each possessing distinct sound characteristics. Acoustic signatures were established for normal operation of each component. Critical failure modes were then inserted into the test components, and faulted acoustic signatures obtained. Predominant features of the sound signature were related back to operational events occurring within the components both for normal and failure mode operations. All of these steps can be automated. The structure borne acoustics technique lends itself to reducing checkout time, simplifying maintenance procedures, and reducing manual involvement in the checkout, operation, maintenance, and fault diagnosis of mechanical systems