243results about "Investigating composite materials" patented technology

Apparatus and methods for inspecting a workpiece are provided. According to one embodiment, a method for inspecting a workpiece comprises illuminating at least a portion of the workpiece with at least one illumination beam and capturing at least one image including at least on line signature formed by illuminating the workpiece with the illumination beam. The method further includes performing two-dimensional and three-dimensional processes on the captured image and classifying at least one feature associated with the workpiece based at least in part on data generated by the two-dimensional and three-dimensional processes.

A laser projection system scans an output laser light beam onto an object to detect features. A high-sensitivity optical feedback system receives and detects a feedback beam of the output beam light diffusely reflected from the object. The feedback light and projected output beam share the same beam path between beam-steering mirrors of the projector and the object. The laser projection system has light suppression components to control stray scattered light, including ambient light, from being detected. A computer of the laser projection system calculates fiducial points on the object from detected features to align the projection system with the object without using targets. This feature detection is used in a process to guide assembly and fabrication on or to the object, and to verify the accurate placement of parts and fabrication steps in place after they are assembled or processed. In one form, the detected feature is a light spot on the object produced by a second light source.

A method of non-destructively determining the physical property of a material surface, the method including irradiating a surface with infrared energy over a spectrum of wavelengths; detecting said infrared energy reflected from said surface over said spectrum of wavelengths; performing multivariate calibration of said reflected infrared energy at a plurality of selected wavelengths including said spectrum of wavelengths; using results of said multivariate calibration to predict one or more physical properties of said model material; and, determining said one or more physical properties of said surface. Details are included for the case where uni-directional fiber CFRP materials are to be calibrated and predicted because special care must be taken for that material to insure the incident light from the spectrometer is at the proper orientation for calibration and for prediction of samples in question.

Apparatus and methods for inspecting a workpiece are provided. According to one embodiment, a method for inspecting a workpiece comprises illuminating at least a portion of the workpiece with at least one illumination beam and capturing at least one image including at least on line signature formed by illuminating the workpiece with the illumination beam. The method further includes performing two-dimensional and three-dimensional processes on the captured image and classifying at least one feature associated with the workpiece based at least in part on data generated by the two-dimensional and three-dimensional processes.

A method and an apparatus for automatically collecting and processing nondestructive test (NDT) data to determine the presence, type, location, size, and strength of defects in composite, honeycomb, and grid structures like those found in aircraft, wind blades, boats, cars, building structures. The preferred embodiment is comprised of an uncooled IR mounted on a frame, a conductive heating mat, an IR Ruler with fiducials in a recognizable pattern, a computer, a processor, and output displays. The data collection, processing, and display output can be controlled or reviewed remotely via the internet. The processing, location, and output displays can be applied to any NDT system that collects and processes a two-dimensional amplitude image (e.g., x-ray systems).