NDTnet 1998 Aug, Vol.3 No.8

Full-Text - Abstract

For the first time in Europe a fully automatic inspection system using Shearography will be installed in aerospace industry. Modern helicopter rotor blades have wide sections made of composite materials like honeycomb sandwich and extensive use of glass- and carbon-fibre reinforced plastics (GRP/CRP).

Non-destructive testing of new and repaired rotor blades is achieved since more than 15 years with holography at EUROCOPTER plant in La Courneuve, France. The advantages of shearography will now lead to a substitution of the elder systems.

This paper presents how non-destructive inspection of rotor blades is achieved by a modern push-button-system using as testing method advanced shearography. The manufacturer s decision to use such a system for the inspection of safety relevant parts shows that, beyond the already accepted holography, an improvement is now expected when using shearography: a better display of local voids, a lower sensitivity to vibrations and a much easier automation and documentation of the whole inspection process.

Lastly such an automated inspection system aims at the reduction of costs and inspection time. This application shows furthermore, that despite missing standards, advanced optical techniques are accepted for such a non-destructive quality control.

Abstract Source:
Book of Abstracts, 7th European Conference on Non-Destructive Testing, 26-29 May 1998, ISBN: 87-986898-0-00

Full-Text Source:
Proceedings of the 7th European Conference on Non-Destructive Testing, 26-29 May 1998, ISBN:

Publication Contact:
7th ECNDT, Park Alle 345, DK-2605 Broendby, Denmark, Fax: +45 46 26 70 11, Email: 101373.3414@compuserve.com