ABSTRACT

Some basic concepts to be considered in the design of an automatic ultrasonic testing system for Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) of composite structural parts in manufacturing are summarized and discussed, in particular those affecting the quality of the information obtained from the test and its ability to be integrated in the manufacturing process information flow.

Large structural composite parts will be required for future commercial aircrafts and high performance in productivity and test reliability shall be attained at low cost.

The SARA 10 system is described as a suitable solution to these goals. It features multichannel pulse-echo and through transmission, water-jet. Its robotics features up to 20 m usable stroke in length by 4.5 m in heigh. Transverse, secondary and rotary axes (up to 12 motors are simultaneously interpolated), make the system able to follow complex geometries.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Full Text

1. Introduction

2. THE SARA CONCEPT

2.1 Mechanic subsystem
2.2 Control electronics
2.3 Software
2.4 Ultrasonic subsystem

3. SARA 10. TECNICAL DESCRIPTION

4. PROGRAMMS