AUTOMATIC THERMOGRAPHY INSPECTION OF WELDED COMPONENTS WITH LIMITED ACCESS - 18-WELDT
In this research project the development of thermography as a method for inspection of welds with limited access will be conducted. The objective of the project is to enable weld inspection of hidden welds in aero engines, reduce the inspection time and increase the detection ratio and sizing precision. The goal for the project is to present a system able to locate, quantify and size weld defects such surface cracks.
Background
In order to accomplish the future targets of reducing the environmental impact of aviation, effective, cost efficient and reliable aero engines needs to be developed. By using the light weight technology based on fabrication, developed by GKN Aerospace Engine Systems Sweden, engine components can be built that meet those targets. With lighter structures the margin of safety might be reduced, and this makes the requirement on the inspection to be even more important to secure the safety.
The specialization at GKN Aerospace Engine Systems Sweden on non-rotating engine structures, such as turbine cases, call for cost effective and reliable methods for weld inspection. For future engine types, such as "Open Rotor", where rotating structure are produced by fabrication, this becomes even more important, since such structures are to be considered as critical components.
Research Area
- Teknik
- Produktionsteknik
- Produktionssystem
Research environment / Institution
- Produktionsteknik
- Institutionen för ingenjörsvetenskap
Project Participants external
Anna Runnemalm
Patrik Broberg
Research Partner
- GKN
Research funding
- Vinnova
Project time
2013 - 2015