Anomaly Detection in Curved Composites Navy SBIR FY2010.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.2 Topic No.: N102-143 Topic Title: Anomaly Detection in Curved Composites Proposal No.: N102-143-1129 Firm: Intelligent Optical Systems, Inc. 2520 W. 237th Street Torrance, California 90505-5217 Contact: Indu Saxena Phone: (424) 263-6346 Web Site: http://www.intopsys.com Abstract: The detection and characterization of strength-reducing features in composite structures such as rotor blades, notably in the H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopter program, is of critical importance to the Navy. Nondestructive inspection of bridging in tight bends of composites in thick sheets of laminates is one area where there is a lack of capability at the right cost. Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS) proposes Anomaly Detection in Curved Composites (ADeCC), based on detecting guided wave ultrasound for detecting and quantifying bridging over relatively large areas to significantly improve quality control of thick composite parts subject to such defects. An affordable, nondestructive tool is proposed using flexible optical fiber transducers for ultrasound collection that will reliably detect bridging in tight radii. The graphite/epoxy and fiberglass/epoxy laminates of geometries and up to 0.75 in. thick will be obtained from the National Composite Center in Kettering, OH for testing in Phase I. The goal is to detect bridging and other materials or obstructions between layers in samples of molded-in metal sections. After demonstration of feasibility, Phase II will focus on delivering a complete single-command operated hardware and software system that includes data analysis, with detection of bridging and a corresponding confidence level metric. Benefits: The proposed damage detection system could assess structural damage in scheduled periodic inspections for in situ real-time assessment of critical components in the layered structures of composites or metals. The applications include: the examination and monitoring of advanced composite structures such as cryo-tanks, large area composites, habitable volumes, hard-to-access/inspect composite members, and metallic pressurized structures of all kinds. This is a critical technology for the safe and reliable operation of spacecraft as well as aircraft. This field-portable damage detection system will play a vital role in the large structural inspection market. Advances in structural condition monitoring technology can enable the aircraft industry to reap enormous benefits in streamlined maintenance, efficient supply, lower operating and support costs, and assured effectiveness. This diagnostic imaging system can potentially be used for the structural condition monitoring of many types of composite structures for aircraft, ships, spacecraft, and automobiles. Return