24-10-2012, 02:16 PM
Effect of Sonic Thermographic Inspection on Fatigue Crack Growth in an Al Alloy
ABSTRACT
This report outlines an experimental study into the impact of repeated high intensity insonification on the rate of crack
growth in Al7075 coupon specimens subject to mechanical tensile testing. The investigation was undertaken to ascertain
whether the application of sonic thermography, an encouraging and presumed nondestructive inspection technique, induces a
deleterious structural effect. Under a representative inspection regime no evidence was found of an accelerated or otherwise
altered rate of crack growth compared to that measured for a benchmark group. It tentatively suggests that the technique is
structurally benign when applied to cracked Al7075 components.
ABSTRACT
This report outlines an experimental study into the impact of repeated high intensity insonification on the rate of crack
growth in Al7075 coupon specimens subject to mechanical tensile testing. The investigation was undertaken to ascertain
whether the application of sonic thermography, an encouraging and presumed nondestructive inspection technique, induces a
deleterious structural effect. Under a representative inspection regime no evidence was found of an accelerated or otherwise
altered rate of crack growth compared to that measured for a benchmark group. It tentatively suggests that the technique is
structurally benign when applied to cracked Al7075 components.