Article Article
Ultrasonic Phased Array Testing for an Isogrid Structural Element with Cracks

In this investigation, a T-shaped aluminum alloy isogrid stiffener element used in aerospace applications was tested with ultrasonic phased array techniques. The isogrid stiffener element had various crack configurations emanating from bolt holes. Computational simulation methods were used to mimic the experiments in order to help understand experimental results. The results of this study indicate that it is at least partly feasible to interrogate this type of geometry with the given discontinuity configurations using phased array ultrasonics. The simulation methods were critical in helping explain the experimental results and, with some limitation, can be used to predict testing results.

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