A technology called sonic thermography could help airlines and the military discover cracks and corrosion in aircraft long before problems become visible to the naked eye, reports US-based NACE International, which specialises in corrosion engineering and is recognised worldwide as an authority on corrosion-control technology.
According to the organisation, Scientific Computing magazine recently profiled the scientists developing the early-detection system, which is a collaborative effort. Researchers from Australia, the USA, New Zealand, the UK and Canada are participating in the sonic thermography programme.
The technology uses sonic impulses to detect flaws and fractures in aircraft airframes. When applied to the aircraft's body these impulses cause cracked areas to interact with each other and produce friction. The tiny amount of heat that is generated is then recorded by a sensitive thermography device.
Sonic thermography will not worsen existing cracks or corrosion, say the researchers. If successful this technology could be used in commercial and military applications - helping to keep aircraft in better condition and lengthen their useful service lives.
For further information, contact:
NACE International, 1440 South Creek Drive, Houston, TX 77084-4906, USA. Tel: +1-281-228-6200, Fax: +1-281-228-6300, Web: http://web.nace.org
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