SBIR Phase II: Real-Time Magneto-Optic Nondestructive Inspection of Tagged Composite Materials

这个小型企业创新研究第二阶段项目将进一步开发第一阶段首次探索的复合材料无损检测技术 (NDI)。复合材料是许多传统金属结构部件的坚固、轻质替代品。 然而，由于复合材料的高电阻和/或高超声波衰减，通常难以检查不连续性。 在第一阶段，物理研究公司 (PRi) 展示了使用实时磁光/涡流成像 (MOI) 技术（由 PRi 开发）形成“标记”复合材料中的缺陷图像的基本可行性。 在制造过程中用微量磁性颗粒标记的复合材料，或用导电丝网构建的复合材料，已成功检查出纤维编织中的空隙、裂纹、冲击损伤和不连续性。 第二阶段研究的主要目标是 1) 开发专门适合复合材料应用的 MOI 系统（例如改进的磁光传感器、板载磁化装置） 2) 与复合材料制造商合作开发符合行业需求的标记技术 3) 旨在阐明基本原理的完整研究。 第二阶段的研究将包括受控实验（和计算），旨在确定特定类型缺陷的最佳标记类型、所需的最小标记量以及该标记对复合材料物理性能的影响。 Pri 预计第二阶段研究将取得成功，并且最终成果将是能够检查各种复合材料的 MOI 系统。 军用和民用航空航天领域都将从这种新的 NDI 方法中受益。 在制造过程中用磁性颗粒（或丝网）标记复合材料将为基于 MOI 的复合材料 NDI 提供一种简单、低成本、快速的方法。 这种在制造和后期使用或维修过程中进行复合材料 NDI 的新功能将导致 MOI 的销售增加。

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will further develop a nondestructive inspection technique (NDI) for composites first explored in Phase 1. Composite materials are strong, lightweight substitutes for many traditional metallic structural components. However, composites are often difficult to inspect for discontinuities due to their high electrical resistively and/or high ultrasonic attenuation. In Phase I, Physical Research Inc. (PRi) demonstrated the basic feasibility of using real time magneto-optic/eddy current imaging (MOI) techniques (developed by PRi) to form images of defects in `tagged` composites. Composites tagged during manufacturing with trace quantities of magnetic particles, or constructed with electrically conducting wire screens, were successfully inspected for voids, cracks, impact damage and discontinuities in fiber weave. The principal objectives of the Phase II research are to 1) Develop an MOI system that is specially adapted to applications in composites (e.g., improved magneto-optic sensors, on-board magnetizing devices) 2) Work with manufacturers of composite materials to develop tagging techniques that are compatible with industry needs 3) Complete studies designed to elucidate basic principles. The Phase II research will consist of controlled experiments (and calculations) designed to determine the optimum kinds of tagging for a particular type of defect, the minimum amount of tagging required and the effect this tagging has on the physical properties of composites. Pri anticipates that the Phase II research will be successful and that an MOI system capable of inspecting a wide range of composite materials will be the outcome. Both the military and civilian aerospace sectors will benefit from this new NDI method. Tagging composites with magnetic particles (or wire screens) during manufacturing will result in a simple, low cost, rapid method for MOI-based NDI of composites. This new capability for NDI of composites during manufacture and later in-service or during repairs, will lead to enhanced sales of the MOI.