Rapid Nondestructive Inspection of Traditionally Uninspectable Adhesively-Filled Composite Joints

NDI of composite Pi/T-Joints presents significant challenges to existing inspection technologies resulting in a barrier to implementation in production. We will investigate feasibility of developing an active thermography NDI solution for real-world inspection of composite structures with T / Pi- joints during the manufacturing process (both green and cured states). Based on the extensive experience we have gained working with major airframe OEMs and suppliers (including Boeing, Northrop-Grumman, Spirit Aero Systems and Lockheed-Martin) on very similar and closely related applications, we will build on “lessons learned�, and use these as guidelines for approaching dedicated T-Joint NDI.