We propose to perform a demonstration and develop a fieldable design of a Laser Ultrasonic Testing (LUT) inspection system for the composite materials used in an electromagnetic rail gun (EMRG). The system will be based on an innovative mid-IR laser technology used for the ultrasound-generation laser. The laser provides a considerable improvement in system sensitivity over incumbent technology, and enables a compact, EMI-resistant scan head for eventual deployment. The Phase I effort provided the feasibility study, experimental evaluation of the key critical technologies and the preliminary paper 0x9D design for a complete LUT detection system with the required performance. These designs will be implemented in the construction and experimental demonstration of an operational LUT system in the Phase II program. The mid-IR prototype laser utilized in the Phase I would be scaled-up and packaged for the use in the Phase II effort as a driver for the high-power LUT system. The overall system concepts, considered through discussions with Navy and LaserUT TC during Phase II, will help to ensure that a future LUT system will be suited for Navy applications.
Benefit: The post applications for this technology, are, in terms of Navy needs, in the area of laser ultrasonic NDE of composite structures, particularly the EMRG containment structure. Other applications are for mobile laser ultrasonic systems used in depots and maintenance facilities for aircraft parts testing, both for the military and commercial aviation enterprises. Several new commercial and military aircraft introduced today and in the near future (Boeing 787, Airbus A380, and A350, Lockheed F-22 and F-35, among other) contain very significant proportions of composites. As those new types of aircraft enter service and start accumulating flight hours, new-aging problems specific to composites will appear. We believe the laser ultrasonics technology, using the mid-IR drive laser developed in the program, will become essential to develop knowledge about the behavior of fatigue and impact induced defects in composites in service, as well as find use in routine parts testing. The program will develop a plan to commercialize the LUT technology based on mid-IR laser sources in a Phase III follow-on program that would be supported by PaR Systems and possibly the Navy. This will motivate the commercial development and subsequent production of fieldable LUT systems. Q-Peak will partner with PAR Systems, the leading supplier of laser ultrasonics testing for aircraft components, through their Laser UT technology. PaR Systems is very interested in developing mobile Laser UT solutions and marketing this key non-destructive inspection technology to both defense and commercial aerospace customers. Q-Peaks mid-IR generation laser technology is essential for such mobile systems as it allows replacement of bulky and heavy CO2 lasers. Q Peak will work with PaR Systems in developing an arrangement for future supply of mid-IR laser hardware as the new generation laser systems transition from R&D to production status. The market capacity for such LUT units is estimated at 3-5 units a year
Keywords: Laser Ultrasonies, Composites, mid-IR laser, Electromagnetic rail gun, Non-destructive inspection
