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Non-Destructive Inspection Methods for ´Copter Blades
Helicopters have been described as 30,000 parts, each part trying to go in a different direction. While that may not be precisely true, a helicopter´s airframe, engine, drive train, and rotor assembly all are subjected to high stresses that result over time in structural fatigue and -- ultimately -- can result in structural failure. Because of this, helicopters undergo a periodic inspection and overhaul after only very few hours of flight time, a requirement that makes them among the most expensive aircraft to fly.
The blades of a helicopter´s rotor are among its most critical parts, and helicopter inspections are geared to early detection of structural problems with the blades -- which both support and power the aircraft. To minimize stress problems, modern helicopter blades are made of composite materials. While composites are less subject to stress than is metal, they are still not free of stress and stress effects.
Quickly detecting blade defects
This large organization seeks non-destructive inspection technologies applicable to the root ends of composite rotor blades, to detect cracks and delaminations. A rotor blade end is roughly 6 inches by 6 inches in cross-section. Any successful technology must be able to discover, and then pinpoint, the 3D position of the defect and determine its size anywhere in the area of the root.
Previously, thermal imaging systems with ultrasonic excitation have detected defects near the blade´s surface; but they have limited depth ability and so cannot pinpoint the defect in space or determine its size. Any means of non-destructively detecting defects within the composite structure will be considered. Spatial pinpointing and defect size determination are required features.
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