During aircraft manufacture, assembly and maintenance, checking the external aspect of structure panels is usually the first step in a more complete nondestructive testing process. Because of the large surfaces involved when checking an aircraft, the systematic inspection of the inside of structures using standard NDT methods is generally not possible. Inspectors carry out a visual inspection of the aircraft surface to detect all shape irregularities on the panels. Once any affected areas have been identified, the damage must be mapped prior to any non-destructive testing. In this domain, optical techniques can offer many advantages compared to mechanical methods such as depth gauges. For the analysis of structural damage such as dents or buckling, or any shape irregularity on the surface of an aircraft panel, design office requirements are usually very stringent and appropriate tools have to be used. In addition, the environmental conditions may be severe. The main capabilities required of any device used to assess damage in a 'real environment' are usually: portability, robustness, ease of use, accuracy, quick results and easy interpretation. All these parameters make the replacement of depth-gauge type instruments difficult. A new optical tool called ShapeView has been designed to replace or complement usual techniques. The system is rapid, portable and simple to use. ShapeView can analyse a 1 m2 area in less than 2 minutes, with a very high accuracy. It is a handheld tool and results are immediately available through the processing unit embedded in the system. This paper describes the technique used by the tool and typical applications.
Shape View. A Portable shape measurement system
Shape View. Ein transportables Formmesssystem
2006
7 Seiten, 6 Bilder
Conference paper
Storage medium
English