Solving problems with advanced technology

Ten Years of Air Force experience has demonstrated that advanced NDE makes a quantum improvement in these areas. In NDE, as in many other industrial process control applications the trend is clearly to computers, information technology (IT), and matching of materials with testing methods. This leaves only the strategic decisions to the human. The inspection and information management technologies are particularly effective for rapid fault detection and fault assessment when hidden structural corrosion, hidden structural cracks, composite manufacturing anomalies or disbonding occurs. Fault detection and standardized repair information is readily available in such documentation as the structural manual for standardized repair and the NDI Manual. The use of advanced technology provides many benefits such as: improved aircraft safety, reduction in total operating costs, improved aircraft design and manufacturing processes, improved maintenance practices, and significant reduction of aircraft accident rates. This paper describes the use of X-ray radiography, laser ultrasonics, and neutron radiography as the methods of choice to inspect helicopter rotor blades or any composite part