Detecting Substandard, Nonconforming, Improperly Processed and Counterfeit Materiel

Vibrant Corporation and Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) propose to apply Process Compensated Resonance Testing (PCRT) to the DLA's need for an NDI method to detect substandard, counterfeit, nonconforming and improperly processed materiel. PCRT collects and analyzes the resonance frequencies of a component to detect structural defects, characterize material, analyze population variation, monitor manufacturing processes, and monitor structural integrity of parts through their service life. In Phase I of the project, Vibrant and SNL demonstrated the feasibility of detecting base material variation and processing variation with PCRT for metallic and nonmetallic components. In Phase II, Vibrant and SNL will continue development of production-level PCRT inspections by demonstrating production-grade testing systems. Cost models and time requirements for implementation will be developed. Vibrant will work with SNL and the DLA to solicit involvement by commercial firms and other DoD agencies. Vibrant has secured partnerships with several commercial firms in the DoD/DLA supply chain for the Phase II effort. The Phase II work will lay the foundation for successful implementation of PCRT inspection in the DLA supply chain and in commercial supply chains during the Phase III transition.