System and method for inspection of parts with complex geometries

a geometrie and complex technology, applied in the field of systems for detecting parts flaws, can solve the problems of early failure of critical areas of engine components, failure of engine components, and poor detectability of eddy current inspection

Active Publication Date: 2010-05-27
GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The presence of surface cracks and subsurface flaws in metallic structures, such as engine blades, have the potential to lead to failure of an engine.
Harsh environment and extreme operating envelope for aircraft engines cause early failures in critical area of engine components.
The FPI is effective and widely used in aerospace industry and doesn't require stringent inspection environment such as close contact or curvature of parts, but its detectability isn't as good as eddy current inspection.
Full coverage with eddy current probes is very time consuming.
Spot checking may miss critical crack and defect areas.

Method used

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Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0016]As discussed in detail below, embodiments of the invention are directed to a system and method for inspection of parts with complex geometries. As used herein, the term “inspection” includes inspection for detecting flaws in a complex surface and a sub-surface region of the parts such as, but not limited to, internal cracks, external cracks and pits. A non-limiting example of the part includes an airfoil (turbine blade) in an aircraft engine. It should be appreciated that the methods and apparatus can be applied to a wide variety of components used within an aircraft engine, a steam turbine, a nuclear power plant, an automotive engine, or to inspect any mechanical component.

[0017]FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a multi-dimensional array probe system 10 for inspecting a part 11 having a contoured surface 12. The system 10 includes a multi-dimensional array of eddy current sensors 13 disposed on a flexible grid 14. The multi-dimensional array of eddy current sensors 13 are...

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Abstract

An inspection system for inspecting a part is provided. The inspection system includes a multi-dimensional array of eddy current sensors that conforms to a contour of a three dimensional shape of the part. The inspection system also includes a controller coupled to the multi-dimensional array, wherein the controller is configured to electronically scan the part via an electrical connection of the eddy current sensors to an eddy current instrument. The inspection system further includes a processor coupled to the eddy current instrument, wherein the processor is configured to analyze output from the eddy current instrument and the controller to accomplish inspection of the part.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is related to the following co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 935,118 {Attorney Docket No. 224620-1}, entitled “Eddy Current Probe and Methods of Assembling the Same” assigned to the same assignee as this application, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND[0002]The invention relates generally to a system for nondestructive inspection of parts, and more particularly, to a system for detecting flaws in parts employing eddy current method.[0003]The presence of surface cracks and subsurface flaws in metallic structures, such as engine blades, have the potential to lead to failure of an engine. Harsh environment and extreme operating envelope for aircraft engines cause early failures in critical area of engine components. Various inspection methods have been developed and used heretofore for crack and flaw detection with varying degrees of success.[0004]Several prior art inspec...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): G01N27/90
CPCG01N27/9013G01N27/82
Inventor WANG, CHANGTINGPLOTNIKOV, YURY ALEXEYEVICHSUH, UI WONMCKNIGHT, WILLIAM STEWART
Owner GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
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