Methods for determining inconsistency characteristics of a composite structure

US8184281B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• Roger W. Engelbart · Chesterfield, US
• Reed Hannebaum · Belleville, US
• Steve Schrader · Bridgeton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 10, 2010
• Grant date: May 22, 2012
• Expiry date: Jun 10, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06T2207/30164
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Methods for determining an inconsistency characteristic of a composite structure, such as inconsistency density-per-unit area. In one implementation, a method is disclosed for determining an inconsistency characteristic of a composite structure. The method involves determining a first distance from a first reference point of the composite structure to an inconsistency; determining a second distance from a second reference point of the composite structure to the inconsistency; using the first and second distances to establish a reference area of the composite structure; and considering each inconsistency detected within the reference area and producing therefrom an inconsistency characteristic representative of the composite structure.