Optical Surface Contouring for Non-Destructive Inspection of Turbomachinery

Detection and characterization of surface defects on the internal components of propulsion systems is currently done by visual inspection with borescopes. These inspections are subject to many sources of error and uncertainty, making the experience of the inspector a critical factor in the quality of the result. Current economics pressures to improve competitiveness and efficiency exist throughout the aerospace industry. Improved inspection techniques are needed in order to eliminate unnecessary equipment teardowns and yet protect safety margins while making better use of scarce inspection expertise. We propose to develop an instrument which will present to the inspector an accurate three dimensional view of the surface under inspection. This instrument will eliminate uncertainties about the precise size of surface defects, making inspections quicker and more accurate. The instrument will use the technology of non- contact optical surface contouring; here applied for the first time to an application which is so dominated by practical difficulties. In phase I we will determine the feasibility of this instrument, in both technical and practical terms. Our project team is uniquely qualified; since it has strong capability in both electro-optical instrumentation development in the commercialization of NDT instrumentation for the aerospace industry.