Budgetary constraints on defense spending have highlighted the importance ofprograms aimed at extending the service life of aging aircraft. Nondestructiveinspection is a key component of such programs. One important capabilityis the detection of cracking and corrosion around fastener holes. Phased… More

"Nondestructive inspection is a key component of programs aimed at extending the service life of aging aircraft. One important capability is the detection of cracking and corrosion around fastener holes. In thick, multiple layer structures, there is oftenno solution but removal of the fasteners… More

"Current manufacturing technology for cast titanium components cannot guarantee theabsence of hard alpha inclusions.Under the effect of fatigue, such inclusions become likely sites for structuralfailure. By performing nondestructive inspections on the manufactured parts usingphased array ultrasound,… More

This SBIR Phase II research project strives to develop an Advanced Ultrasonic Beamformer that is unparalleled in its scalability and signal processing features. The ultrasonic beamformer architecture will be unique in its breadth of features. The architecture was developed as the superset of… More

As a cost avoidance measure against expensive replacement of certain life-limiting components of turbine engines, the Engine Rotor Life Extension (ERLE) program was conceived by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to extend component life without increasing the risk of component failure.… More

This SBIR Phase II research project strives to develop an Advanced Ultrasonic Beamformer that is unparalleled in its scalability and signal processing features. The ultrasonic beamformer architecture will be unique in its breadth of features. The architecture was developed as the superset of… More

The future of nuclear fusion relies in part on the development of effective plasma facing components (PFCs) that can withstand the intense heat loads, forces, and neutron bombardment of long-pulse, high-power reactor operation. Current PFC designs for the next-generation International Thermonuclear… More

Realizing the promise of nuclear fusion depends in part on effective plasma facing components (PFCs) that can withstand the intense heat loads, forces, and neutron bombardment of long-pulse high-power reactor operation. A single reactor such as ITER will require thousands of PFCs. Because… More

The practice of removing aircraft from service and disassembling parts of its structure for periodic inspection negatively impacts readiness and leads to high sustainment costs. Using Acoustic Ideas''''''''s uniquely powerful and versatile phased array technology we will develop a novel inspection… More