Eddy current array (ECA) technology is increasingly being used in the aerospace industry for non-destructive testing of aircraft components. This study evaluates the performance of ECA in detecting defects in aircraft components, focusing on its effectiveness, reliability, and sensitivity. The study evaluates the effectiveness of ECA technology in eddy current defectoscopy by introducing a dimensionless efficiency coefficient, then seeks to validate this coefficient through experimental testing of aircraft component materials with artificially induced defects of various sizes, types, and orientations to simulate real-world scenarios. ECA’s sensitivity in detecting small and subsurface defects is analyzed, along with precise defect sizing and positional information. Reliability and repeatability are investigated through repeated measurements. Furthermore, the article analyses the impact of various factors on the performance of ECA, including surface conditions, probe configurations, and inspection parameters. Comparative analysis is performed to assess the advantages and limitations of ECA in comparison to other conventional inspection methods. The findings of this study will contribute to a better understanding of the capabilities and limitations of ECA in detecting aircraft component defects. The results will aid in optimizing inspection strategies, enhancing the reliability of defect detection, and improving the overall maintenance practices in the aerospace industry.
This study presents a numerical model for analyzing fatigue crack growth in 42CrMo4 steel pivot bolts under different heat treatments and service loads. The finite element method (FEM) in the ANSYS Workbench environment (version 2019R1) (SMART Crack Growth), along with algorithms based on Paris’s law implemented in MATLAB (version R2016a), was used. The results highlight the significant influence of heat treatment on fatigue resistance and serve as a basis for optimizing design parameters and improving the durability of the structural components.
Primary attention is given to the following methods: method by drilling cylindrical holes (drill method) and integrated ultrasonic method using volume (longitudinal and transverse), surface, and sub-surface waves. Drill method allows determination of residual mechanical stress in small depth of material surfaces, assessing type, size, and orientation of principal stresses. For the first time, parallel studies are carried out of mechanical stress in materials using the electroacoustic effect of volume, surface and sub-surface waves on the one hand, and effective mechanical stresses on the other. The experimental results present electroacoustic coefficients for different types of waves in the material of gas pipeline tube of 243 mm diameter and 14 mm thickness. These are used to evaluate mechanical stresses in pipelines, according to active GOST standards.
This study provides a combined numerical and analytical investigation of fatigue crack growth in compact tension specimens made of 42CrMo4 steel. Through simulations in ANSYS Workbench (SMART Crack Growth module) and numerical modeling in MATLAB, the model is validated by comparing its results with the standard ASTM E399 and Paris’ law relationships. The effect of heat treatments and loading on crack growth rate was investigated. The results confirm the model’s applicability in predicting fatigue behavior in the linear–elastic region.
A method for the assessment of the mechanical stressed state (MSS) of pipeline materials conforming to GOST R 52890-2007 is presented in the study. It is based on the measurement of the propagation time of longitudinal and two transversal waves along the pipe radius, while the procedure needs high accuracy performance. The method is validated by testing a 38KhS steel pipe and using experimentally found acoustic-elastic coefficients. The dependence of the MSS on the load acting along the pipe circumference is also presented..