Robotic Laser ultrasonic imaging of composite complex geometry components

Laser-ultrasonics is a well-known non-destructive inspection technique for composite materials and is well adapted for complex shape components. Several systems are currently in use in industry or in certification process.... [ view full abstract ]

Laser-ultrasonics is a well-known non-destructive inspection technique for composite materials and is well adapted for complex shape components. Several systems are currently in use in industry or in certification process. These systems use computer-controlled scanning mirror to scan the part. Doing so, the amount of collected light, which essentially determines sensitivity, depends upon the orientation of the detection beam with respect to the surface normal. With scanning mirror systems the sensitivity can vary strongly for very complex geometries and very shiny surfaces made by Resin Transfer Molding. This limitation is circumvented by an approach in which normal or near normal orientation of the detection beam is provided by a robotic control, so full laser power is always used and inspection area is only limited by the robot envelop. With the robotic approach, complex 3D contour following is required. In this presentation we will provide data of robot laser ultrasonic inspection for composite parts of simple and complex geometries. The advantage of laser ultrasonic combine to robotic scanning for complex geometries such as small radiuses, radius variations, joggles and double curvatures will be emphasised.