Wyle offers more than aircraft engine inspection NDI. The company has developed a number of specialized applications using eddy current and ultrasonic technology to solve difficult flaw and fatigue sensing problems. Wyle’s highly qualified staff consists of physicists and material scientists and engineers, many with advanced degrees, who are experienced at developing practical solutions that are affordable and easy to operate. Laboratory resources are available to facilitate technology development and Wyle’s ANDI organization has an active internal research and development program which has funded programs annually for the last seven years. The information below highlights a number of Wyle’s recent structures NDI projects:
Aircraft Skin Crack Detection
The Wyle developed a rapid, portable and low cost scribe line crack detection system based on Giant Magneto-Resistive (GMR) sensor technology for the Boeing 737. The instrument is lightweight and battery operated. The Wyle GMR unit is now in production. Wyle has applied this versatile eddy current technology to other aircraft skin cracking problems, including successfully completing feasibility studies to challenging structural crack detection problems on military aircraft. Applications include deep hidden flaw detection using high power ultrasonics. Another utilizes GMR to detect subsurface crack and defect detection.
Turbine Generator Blade Fatigue Monitoring
Wyle has developed a unique instrument to monitor accumulated fatigue damage in power generator turbine blades based on exclusively licensed non-linear acoustics technology from NASA. This technique has been shown to be effective on components undergoing high cycle fatigue. Measurements allow electric utilities to assess the remaining life in the blades during maintenance outages. The company is now performing inspections for numerous energy industry customers to baseline blade condition allowing for improved generator maintenance. Wyle has also established the feasibility of non-contact laser-based implementations.
Nosetip Recession Sensor
Wyle successfully developed and delivered an ultrasonic array system to continuously monitor the thickness of a missile reentry vehicle. This demanding application required a compact design, very low power electronics and space environment qualification.
For more information on Wyle’s advanced non-destructive inspection products and services, please contact: Tony Todd at tony.todd@wyle.com, 937.320.2735 or Steve Beecroft at steve.beecroft@wyle.com, 937.320.2704