Advanced Characterization Techniques that Improve Durability of Fracture Critical DoD Components Navy SBIR FY2008.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2008.1 Topic No.: N08-065 Topic Title: Advanced Characterization Techniques that Improve Durability of Fracture Critical DoD Components Proposal No.: N081-065-1402 Firm: Vibrant Corporation 3801 Academy Parkway North, NE Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109-4408 Contact: Tom Togami Phone: (505) 314-1504 Web Site: www.vibrantndt.com Abstract: The objective of this proposed effort is to develop and demonstrate tools and techniques for detecting fatigue and fractures in critical DoD components. Under the proposed effort, Vibrant will attempt to adapt Process Compensated Resonance Testing (PCRT) technology, to detect fatigue and fractures in DoD components. PCRT uses Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy (RUS) coupled with genetic sorting algorithms to determine the unique resonance patterns of components. Vibrant's efforts will focus on developing advanced fatigue and fracture characterization techniques to assess turbine component durability. Vibrant's technology will be used to provide a non-destructive evaluation (NDE) technique to assess whether fractures or thermal-mechanical fatigue (TMF) is present in components. This new capability will provide higher confidence assessments and improved durability management of fracture critical DoD components that is not available currently. Benefits: Vibrant has been working on R&D elements in the area of detecting thermal-mechanical fatigue (TMF) and fractures in metal components. Vibrant has successfully investigated the effects of thermal environments on turbine blades and the effects of cyclic loading of aluminum and steel alloys utilizing the PCRT System. The effort to detect TMF could be addressed by combining fatigue testing at elevated temperatures and then evaluating the resonant spectra. Vibrant currently has working relationships with Boeing, Delta TechOps, Honeywell, and three other undisclosed jet engine manufactures. Data from the successful completion of Phase I, even if a Phase II was not awarded, will be leveraged to initiate pilot projects for NDE testing with these current partners. If a Phase II effort is awarded and successfully completed, Vibrant would market NDE testing for detection of fractures and TMF directly to DoD and commercial manufacturers and maintainers in Phase III. Return