Composite crack hunting

Qinetiq and University of Southampton develop X-ray inspection device to be used in the maintenance of composite aircraft

Qinetiq and the University of Southampton are partnering to develop an X-ray inspection device to be used in the maintenance of composite aircraft.

The three-year research project, which also involves Nikon Metrology, aims to develop and test methods for scanning and visualising the insides of large, flat components using X-rays. It is hoped the technology will be used in the design, manufacture and maintenance of current and future generations of carbon-composite aircraft.

The partners will develop the system for acquiring scan data and the software to reconstruct it into a 3D volume image, allowing manipulation and visualisation using standard software.

Dr Thomas Blumensath of the University of Southampton said: “Conventional computed tomography techniques are not well suited to image extended flat objects. We will be developing an alternative technique, which applies computed laminography, to overcome the limitations of conventional computed tomography for large, flat components. This will enhance our ability to find defects in composite parts, such as those which are used in aircraft.

“This will ultimately help in the production and maintenance processes and will assist in the development of more environmentally friendly aeroplanes, as well as enhanced aircraft safety.”

As part of the same project, engineers from consultancy Axi-Tek and University College London will develop a new backscatter X-ray technique to non-destructively inspect large composite structures.