Abstract

Creation and use of a digital twin instance (DTI) for a physical instance of the part. The DTI may be created by a model inversion process such that model parameters are iterated until a convergence criterion related to a physical resonance inspection result and a digital resonance inspection result is satisfied. The DTI may then be used in relation to part evaluation including through simulated use of the part. The physical instance of the part may be evaluated by way of the DTI or the DTI may be used to generate maintenance schedules specific to the physical instance of the part.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01H 13/00 - Measuring resonant frequency
• G06Q 10/06 - Resources, workflows, human or project management; Enterprise or organisation planning; Enterprise or organisation modelling
• G08G 5/00 - Traffic control systems for aircraft

Abstract

Resonance inspection of parts in which a resonance standard to which a frequency response of the part is compared is at least in part based on a property derived from testing of a witness coupon that is manufactured concurrently with the part. This approach may allow properties of a material and/or manufacturing technique used to produce the part and witness coupon to inform the resonance standard to improve testing. Approaches are described related to both empirically derived resonance standards as well as model-based resonance standards.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01H 13/00 - Measuring resonant frequency
• G01N 29/12 - Analysing solids by measuring frequency or resonance of acoustic waves
• G01N 29/30 - Arrangements for calibrating or comparing, e.g. with standard objects

Abstract

Various approaches for assessing a part for a defect are disclosed and that are based upon SAW modes. In one embodiment, a part-under-test (120) is excited. One or more SAW modes (206) are identified in the frequency response (240/260) of the part-under-test (120). A SAW mode area (248/266) in the frequency response of the part- under-test (120) is compared with a baseline SAW mode area (238/258) of a baseline frequency response (230/250) (and which may be associated with an acceptable part). This comparison may be used to determine if the part- under-test (120) may be characterized defective in at least some respect.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01B 5/28 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring roughness or irregularity of surfaces

Abstract

A system and method for evaluating a part-under-test (120) is disclosed. The part-under-test (120) is excited using at least one drive frequency, as done in resonant ultrasound spectroscopy. A first surface acoustical wave (SAW) mode (206) is identified in the frequency response (200). A separate reference peak (204) for the identified SAW mode (206) is also identified in the frequency response (200). The zone in the frequency response (200) delimited by the reference peak (204 ) and the surface acoustical wave (SAW) mode (206) is defined as a degeneracy assessment zone (208). If an extra peak (210), refered as a degenerate peak, appears in the frequency response (200), the part-under-test (120) may be rejected. Otherwise, the part-under-test (120) may be accepted.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 29/04 - Analysing solids
• G01N 29/12 - Analysing solids by measuring frequency or resonance of acoustic waves

Abstract

A waveform generator and a signal analyzer are respectively provided in electrical communication with an input transducer and an output transducer capable of conversion between electrical and acoustic signals, and in mechanical communication with the part. A processor coupled with the waveform generator and signal analyzer receives a set of parameters defining a frequency scan from which it determines a number of frequency sweeps to be performed by the waveform generator. Each of the frequency sweeps has a number of frequencies less than a maximum capacity of the waveform generator, and for each frequency sweep, the processor instructs the waveform generator to excite the input transducer and synchronously receiving a response signal with the signal analyzer at multiple frequencies.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 29/04 - Analysing solids

Abstract

A part (120) may be inspected for defects by using to both resonant ultrasonic spectroscopy (RUS) and surface vibration analysis by laser vibrometry. Various protocols (230; 240; 250; 280; 260) are disclosed as to how the results of one or more of these inspections may be used to evaluate the part (120). Particularly, modes found in resonant ultrasonic spectroscopy can be identified using the surface vibration data.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 29/12 - Analysing solids by measuring frequency or resonance of acoustic waves
• G01N 29/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves; Visualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object - Details
• G01N 29/44 - Processing the detected response signal

Abstract

Various embodiments relating to resonance inspections and in-service parts are disclosed. One protocol (150) includes conducting a resonance inspection of an in-service part (152). The frequency response of the in-service part may be compared with a resonance standard (154) for purposes of determining whether or not the in-service part is changing abnormally (156). An in-service part that is identified as changing abnormally may be characterized as being "rejected" (160). An in-service part that is no identified as changing abnormally may be characterized as being "accepted" (158).

IPC Classes  ?

• G01B 3/44 - Gauges with an open yoke and opposed faces, i.e. calipers, in which the internal distance between the faces is fixed, although it may be preadjustable of limit-gauge type, i.e. "go/no-go" preadjustable for wear or tolerance