Sun, Mar 14, 2010
Imperium's Handheld Imaging Device To Be Used For Remote
Inspection Of Composites
Ultrasound imaging cameras designed for non-destructive
inspection ("NDI") made by Imperium have been selected by Bell
Helicopter to be part of their joint inspection technology program
with the FAA. The program is designed to develop inspection
technology and techniques that address maintenance concerns due to
the growing usage of composite materials in structural applications
for modern rotorcraft and fixed wing aircraft.
The company announced Wednesday that the project would utilize
their Acoustocam i600, a unique handheld portable camera device
"Imperium's smaller, rugged, and portable ultrasonic imaging
tool is an innovative technology that we believe may provide a
solution to rapid inspection of composite components for damage and
manufacturing flaws," said Jeffrey Nissen, Program Manager and
Principle Investigator for the R&D project at Bell Helicopter.
"We have a good relationship with Imperium and are looking forward
to working together to develop inspection technology for future
composite aircraft maintenance."
Nissen is leading the FAA research project, and has selected the
device for the FAA program specifically to address composite
inspection concerns. During their development effort Bell will be
researching Imperium's technology as well as several other
promising technologies to determine suitability as a rapid
inspection device which enables minimally trained operators to make
faster, more accurate maintenance decisions, and with greater
confidence. The developed technology will have application to Bell
composite rotorcraft such as the newly certified Bell 429, 407, 412
and Bell/Agusta 609 as well as fixed wing composite aircraft.
Bob Lasser, President and CEO of Imperium said, "This program
is extremely important as the aerospace industry migrates more and
more toward the use of composite structures. Our powerful imaging
technology quickly identifies and detects problems instantly,
thereby assisting maintenance crew of any level to report their
findings with accuracy."
The FAA-funded research titled 'Nondestructive Inspection
Research of Composite Materials Used on the Commercial Fleet' was
initiated due to the increased usage of composite structures in
both commercial and general aviation aircraft. By the nature of
their fabrication, composites pose new and unique challenges to
aviation inspectors. As their usage continues to expand from
secondary to primary structures, improved nondestructive inspection
(NDI) methods will be required to better detect and characterize
anomalies in these materials such as due to impacts and
manufacturing flaws.
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