Composite Turbine Part Deformation Tracking via Embedded Metal Particles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-destructive inspection techniques for turbine engine parts cannot effectively track internal deformation or distinguish between similar mechanical parts, especially those made of composite materials, as they lack the ability to provide internal structural information and rely on external markings which can be unreliable.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating metal particles into the preform or resin of turbine engine parts during fabrication, followed by X-ray inspections to create a unique three-dimensional pattern that can be detected and compared over time, allowing for identification and tracking of internal deformations through X-ray tomography.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If non-destructive inspection techniques such as penetrant testing are used to inspect turbine engine parts, then surface cracks can be detected, but internal deformation cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds metal particles within the composite material structure of turbine engine parts. These particles create a unique three-dimensional distribution pattern that can be detected by X-ray tomography, enabling internal structure visualization without compromising the composite material's mechanical properties
Solution Approach 2:
Metal particles serve as intermediary markers embedded within the composite material. These particles act as tracers that reveal internal deformation patterns when viewed through X-ray tomography, bridging the gap between the invisible internal structure and detectable signals
2Reliability
If external marking methods are used to identify and distinguish parts, then parts can be individually traced, but the marks can be destroyed or become illegible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds metal particles directly within the internal structure of the part, nesting the identification markers inside the material itself rather than placing them on the surface. This ensures the markers cannot be destroyed or become illegible as long as the part exists
Solution Approach 2:
The unique three-dimensional distribution pattern of metal particles creates an inherent fingerprint for each part. This internal pattern serves as a permanent copy of the part's identity that can be read through X-ray tomography without affecting the part's external appearance or integrity
3Measurement precision
If X-ray tomography is used to obtain three-dimensional measurements of particle positions, then internal deformation can be tracked, but the inspection process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The metal particles are embedded within the part during the manufacturing process itself, performing the identification marker placement action in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate marker application steps and simplifies subsequent inspection procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The metal particles provide high contrast against the composite material in X-ray imaging, creating a clear visual distinction that simplifies image processing and analysis. The particles effectively 'stand out' in the X-ray tomography images, making deformation tracking more straightforward
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
This method enables accurate identification and visualization of internal deformations in turbine engine parts made of composite materials, allowing for precise tracking and differentiation between similar parts, while maintaining the mechanical integrity of the components.
Implementation Method 1
the metal particles incorporated in the mechanical part form a three-dimensional pattern within the part that can be detected using X-rays because X-rays are attenuated by metal particles
Data Source
AI summary
A method of identifying and/or tracking deformation of a mechanical part made of composite material for a turbine engine, in which the part includes a preform of fiber material and a resin, is provided. The method includes incorporating metal particles in the preform or the resin during fabrication of the part, and subjecting the mechanical part to two X-ray inspections on two different occasions so as to identify the part and/or so as to deduce deformation of its internal structure.