Nondestructive Optical Testing for Material Failure Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for predicting fatigue and failure in components often require destructive testing, which is impractical as the tested components cannot be reused, and there is a need for nondestructive testing solutions that can assess components in situ, such as an airplane wing, without removal.
Innovation Solution
A nondestructive material testing system using a light source to emit a first frequency light and detect second harmonic generation light, allowing for the prediction of component failure by comparing signal intensities before and after operational stress, enabling the determination of the probability of failure or recommendation for service without damaging the component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If destructive testing is used to predict component failure, then measurement precision is improved, but the component is damaged or destroyed and cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/destructive testing methods with optical second harmonic generation (SHG) detection. The system uses a light source to illuminate the component and detects SHG signals to assess material fatigue and failure risk nondestructively, eliminating the need to destroy the component for testing while maintaining failure prediction capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the testing parameter from destructive mechanical stress to optical field interaction. By measuring the intensity of second harmonic generation light, which changes with material fatigue state, the system achieves failure prediction without physically damaging the component, thus preserving its reusability
2Measurement precision
If components are removed from systems for testing, then measurement access is improved, but system downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical SHG testing system can be positioned to test components in situ without requiring component removal. The noncontact nature of optical measurement allows testing while the component remains installed in the system, eliminating downtime while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system is designed to be adaptable to various component types and locations, enabling in-service testing of different components (e.g., airplane wings, mechanical parts) without requiring disassembly or removal from their operational systems
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 the prediction of component failure without damaging the component, allowing for proactive maintenance and preventing sudden failures by assessing the component's state of fatigue and strain nondestructively, thus improving safety and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
detect an intensity of a second frequency light that is emitted from the test body in second harmonic generation responsive to the first frequency light
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems and methods for nondestructive testing of material to predict oncoming failure thereof. For example, components and/or elements of various devices may be nondestructively tested to predict and/or prevent failure of such components and elements during operation. In some embodiments, the components and/or elements may be tested without removal thereof from systems or devices (e.g., a wing of an airplane may be tested for oncoming failure without removing the wing from the airplane).