Backscatter Radiography for Hidden Workpiece Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-destructive inspection techniques for structural components hidden by overlying structures often require access to both sides, are inefficient due to the need for disassembly, and are limited by the thickness and material of the overlying structure, leading to increased downtime and labor costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing backscattered radiation that allows for non-destructive evaluation of a workpiece hidden by an overlying structure by interrogating with radiation that propagates through the overlying structure, collecting and comparing data with reference data from standards of varying material loss indicators, enabling estimation of material loss without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional transmission radiographic techniques are used to inspect hidden structural components, then non-destructive inspection can be performed, but access to both sides of the component is required which increases device complexity and inspection time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional transmission radiography approach by using backscatter radiography instead. Rather than placing the detector on the opposite side of the workpiece (transmission mode), the detector is positioned on the same side as the radiation source, detecting radiation that has scattered back from the workpiece. This inversion eliminates the need for access to both sides of the hidden structural component.
2Measurement precision
If disassembly of structural assembly is performed to inspect hidden components, then direct visual inspection is possible, but substantial expense and downtime are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical disassembly process with a non-destructive radiographic inspection method. Instead of physically removing the beavertail fitting to visually inspect the underlying wing skin, the system uses backscatter radiation to detect corrosion and material loss through the fitting, thereby eliminating the time-consuming disassembly and reassembly process while maintaining inspection accuracy.
3Reliability
If ultrasonic or eddy current inspection techniques are used on hidden portions, then non-destructive inspection is possible, but the substantial number of fasteners prevent these techniques from being utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the inspection technique by switching from ultrasonic or eddy current methods (which require direct contact and are blocked by fasteners) to backscatter radiography. This parameter change allows radiation to pass through the fasteners and overlying structure to inspect the hidden workpiece, overcoming the accessibility limitations imposed by the fastener configuration.
4Measurement precision
If radiographic inspection is performed through overlying structure with varied thickness, then hidden workpiece can be inspected, but results are dependent upon thickness of overlying structure complicating the inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reference standards with known material loss characteristics as intermediaries for comparison. By comparing the backscatter radiation signals from the hidden workpiece against signals from reference standards inspected under identical conditions (including the same overlying structure thickness), the system compensates for the varying thickness effects and achieves accurate material loss measurement without requiring complex thickness measurements or corrections.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and accurate non-destructive inspection of hidden workpieces from a single side, reducing downtime and labor costs by allowing for the detection of material loss without disassembly, thereby facilitating timely and orderly repairs.
Implementation Method 1
A method and system for non-destructively evaluating a workpiece hidden by an overlying structure are provided in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. In this regard, the method and system of one embodiment rely upon backscattered radiation such that access is only required to one side of the workpiece that is to be inspected.
Implementation Method 2
The method includes interrogating the workpiece with radiation, such as x-ray radiation, that also propagates through the overlying structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system are provided for non-destructively evaluating a workpiece hidden by an overlying structure. In the context of a method, a workpiece is interrogated with radiation, such as x-ray radiation, that also propagates through the overlying structure. The method further includes collecting data representative of radiation backscattered from the workpiece. Based upon a thickness and material of the overlying structure, the method compares the data that has been collected from the workpiece with reference data representative of radiation backscattered from a standard that includes different respective material loss indicators hidden by an overlying structure of the same thickness and material. Each material loss indicator is a physical representation of a different amount of material loss. As a result of the comparison, the method estimates the material loss of the workpiece.