Ultrasonic Guided Wave for Long Range Monitoring and Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) of Corrosion Induced Defects in Shipboard Piping with Complex Geometry Navy STTR FY2005 Sol No.: Navy STTR FY2005 Topic No.: N05-T032 Topic Title: Ultrasonic Guided Wave for Long Range Monitoring and Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) of Corrosion Induced Defects in Shipboard Piping with Complex Geometry Proposal No.: N054-032-0066 Firm: FBS, Inc. 2134 Sandy Drive Suite #14 State College, Pennsylvania 16803 Contact: Michael Avioli Phone: (814) 234-3437 Web Site: fbsworldwide.com Abstract: FBS, Inc has identified the gaps, challenges, and technical issues related to guided wave inspection of complex shipboard piping systems. Among these are inspection of and beyond elbows, liquid loading both interior and exterior to the piping, and defect cross-sectional-area (CSA) detection of ~ 1%. Well known for wave mechanics modeling analysis, FBS, Inc. has the expertise to cast each of these into a theoretical framework leading to studies for guided wave dispersion curve development, interpretation and subsequent interactions with elbows, liquid loaded pipes, and guided wave scattering from three-dimensional defects. Complimenting such studies, experimental verification of theoretical assertions and inspection demonstrations can be conducted in our laboratory and elsewhere. We also have the unique capability to implement guided wave focusing software and an engineering staff that can design and fabricate appropriate specialty phased array transducers and instrumentation. FBS, Inc. has an excellent working relationship with Pennsylvania State University, where Dr. Joseph Rose, a world class expert in the area of guided wave mechanics and NDE, will be assisting in this project. Through our many years of experience with major NDE service and equipment vendors, we have the connections and ability to quickly enter the path to commercialization. Benefits: Corrosion induced defects are responsible for a number of piping failures that have led to environmental mishaps, explosions, and deaths. The early detection of such defects prior to their extent reaching a dangerous level is critical to preventing the aforementioned catastrophes. The end products of this project, guided wave NDE analysis tools and corrosion detection ultrasonic hardware, will provide the resources for early detection of corrosion. These resources will be welcomed by all industries and utilities using pipelines to handle and transport their products and by the US Navy for their shipboard piping systems. The benefits are greater pipeline reliability and safety. The ability to inspect elbows and piping beyond elbows over long distances provides a cost benefit regarding inspection and maintenance economics. Large-scale commercialization is easily foreseeable. Return