Blunt impact indicator methods

Abstract

The application discloses a blunt impact indicator method. Systems and methods using fluid-filled hollow microspheres to assist in monitoring or indicating high-energy blunt impacts on structures such as aircraft. A multiplicity of microspheres may be adhered to or embedded in a coating applied on a surface of a substrate (e.g., a tape or an applique), which substrate in turn can be adhered to a surface of a structure to be monitored. The microspheres are designed to rupture at one or more specified pressure thresholds. In some embodiments, the microspheres are filled with electrically conductive fluid which, if released from ruptured microsphere, changes the electromagnetic state of the substrate. In response to the detection of a sufficiently large change in the electromagnetic state of the substrate, a blunt impact indication is generated. The impact site may then undergo nondestructive inspection.

Description

technical field [0001] The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for monitoring and indicating high energy impacts to structures. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for measuring the magnitude and location of high energy impact events. Background technique [0002] When damage to structural components is suspected, non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques are often used to monitor the structural integrity of potentially damaged components. Quickly identifying specific damage points can be difficult when using NDE techniques because large areas of the structure may need to be scanned. Therefore, it is desirable to have a technology that can easily determine the precise damage location. [0003] In the aviation industry, aircraft can be subjected to high energy loads from logistics vehicles and ground support equipment such as belt loaders, luggage carts, aircraft refuelers, catering vehicles, ground power units,...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0004] Although a technique to make visible to the casual observer a high-energy blunt impact on an aircraft by placing an impact strip (comprising rupturable microspheres filled with a colored indicator fluid) on the surface of an aircraft structure susceptible to such an impact Methods of indication are well known, however, in some cases a visual indication of surface damage may not be desired

[0005] There is room for improvement in existing techniques for monitoring or indicating high energy blunt impacts on structures such as aircraft

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