Endoscopic system for in situ ultrasonic inspection of aero-engines using optically excited ultrasonic transducers

Theodosia Stratoudaki, Victoria Ageeva, Matt Clark, Michael Geoffrey Somekh, James Kell, David C. Wright

Research output: Chapter in book / Conference proceedingConference article published in proceeding or bookAcademic researchpeer-review

Abstract

CHeap Optical Transducers (CHOTs) are a non-contact, wireless, couplant-free alternative to the traditional piezoelectric transducers and can be used for ultrasonic inspection. Because they are cheap and very small, they can be used in large numbers and in different ways to normal ultrasonic probes. For example, they could be mounted permanently on the component for easy repeatable measurements or considered as disposables: use once and throw away. CHOTs are structures attached to the surface of the test component that are optically excited using a simple laser set-up to either generate or detect ultrasound. The use of CHOTs enables testing of components inaccessible by other techniques and potentially enabling on-site and in-service ultrasonic testing currently unavailable to the industry. An example case study of CHOTs for in situ inspection of aero-engines, without dismantling them will be presented. An endoscopic system for CHOTs excitation has been developed which uses optical fibres for generating and detecting the ultrasonic signal. The design and construction of the portable system will be presented as well as the various methods for fabricating, attaching and "reading" the CHOTs.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication52nd Annual Conference of the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing 2013, NDT 2013
PublisherBritish Institute of Non-Destructive Testing
Pages114-124
Number of pages11
ISBN (Print)9781629939933
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2013
Externally publishedYes
Event52nd Annual Conference of the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing 2013, BINDT 2013 - Telford, United Kingdom
Duration: 10 Sept 201312 Sept 2013

Conference

Conference52nd Annual Conference of the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing 2013, BINDT 2013
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityTelford
Period10/09/1312/09/13

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computational Mechanics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality
  • Materials Science (miscellaneous)

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